国内英语新闻:Senior CPC official sees huge potential for cooperation with Ireland

DUBLIN, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Li Changchun said here Sunday that Beijing and Dublin have huge potential to deepen bilateral ties and cooperation.

Since the two sides established diplomatic relations 31 years ago,bilateral relations have developed steadily, said Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, upon his arrival for a two-day official goodwill visit.

Especially in recent years, China and Ireland have increased high-level exchanges, carried out fruitful and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields including politics, trade, education, culture and science and technology, and maintained close coordination on international affairs, he noted.

Li Changchun (L, Front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, is welcomed by Irish officials upon his arrival in Dublin, capital of Ireland, on Sept. 26, 2010. Li started his official goodwill visit to the country on Sunday.

Still, the two countries face enormous potential and broad prospects for deepening bilateral ties, Li said, adding that keeping a friendly and cooperative bilateral relationship based on mutual benefit serves the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two nations.

The CPC and the Chinese government attaches great importance to the relations with Ireland and have consistently treated China-Ireland ties from strategic and long-term perspectives, he said.

The Chinese guest said he expects to exchange views with Irish leaders on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concerns.

Li added that he will learn from the host country's experiences in promoting the economy and explore new fields and new ways to enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation for the common good of both nations.

Ireland is the third leg of Li's ongoing four-nation tour which has taken him to Estonia and Montenegro. He is scheduled to visit Iran before returning to China.