国内英语新闻:Senior CPC official meets Irish leaders on bilateral ties

When meeting with Cowen, Li said China has attached great importance to its relations with Ireland and will work together with Ireland to maintain and deepen high-level dialogues and exchanges, extend cooperation in trade, investment, low-carbon and energy-saving technology, renewable energy and software, enhance exchanges in culture, education, publication, tourism and coordination on dealing with international financial crisis and climate change.

Cowen said Ireland has placed China at the core of its strategy on promoting trade, investment and tourism. Ireland hopes to become China's important investment destination and a foundation for Europe-China cooperation.

After the meeting, Li and Cowen jointly attended the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding on culture exchanges and economic cooperation.

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.