Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T. D.
at the Government Dinner in honour of
the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China
Mr Wen Jiabao
Dublin Castle Tuesday, 11 May 2004

It was Confucius who said "Isn't it great when friends visit from distant places". In that spirit, I am delighted to welcome to Ireland the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China , Wen Jiabao the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of the State Development and Reform Commission and of Commerce and the other distinguished members of his delegation.

Mr Premier, we are greatly honoured that in your first official visit to Europe as Premier, you have included Ireland on your itinerary. This reflects not alone the rapid growth of our bilateral relationship in recent years but also the developing "comprehensive and strategic partnership" between China and the European Union, of which Ireland currently holds the Presidency.

The Government very much appreciated the invitation to President McAleese to make a State Visit to China last October. In all respects, the President's visit was exceptionally successful: she was most warmly received by President Hu Jintao, National People's Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo and by you, Premier, and we were most gratified by the keen interest, expressed by everyone the President met, in pursuing closer cooperation with Ireland .

The visit by the President represents both a culmination of a period of intense exchanges between our two countries - which I personally initiated with my own visit to China in 1998 - and the commencement of a new phase in the enhancement of our relations which will be more focused while at the same time encompassing a broader range of subject areas. In the course of these past six years, we have actively promoted a relationship of mutual trust and friendship; our economic and commercial exchanges, particularly in the education sector, have become more diversified; we have launched an exchange of Cultural Festivals between our two countries; and we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to China's acceptance of Ireland as an 'approved destination' for group tourism from China.

Mr Premier, your visit to Ireland - the first by a member of the new Chinese Leadership - will undoubtedly provide added momentum for the further development of our ties.

To-morrow - in addition to meeting President McAleese - you will have an opportunity to learn of Ireland 's recent high-tech development and we will explore how bilateral cooperation in this sector can be pursued. Many of our business leaders, who by now are frequent visitors to China , look forward to meeting you; in Shannon , you will hear about our regional development policies and visit one of our Universities.

Premier Wen,

While there are obvious differences of scale between our two countries we have faced many common issues and challenges and in wishing you well for the successful discharge of your onerous responsibilities, I would like to recall that some weeks ago, in describing the work of your Government, you quoted the ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan, in saying:

"My journey is long and winding and I will keep on using my talents at every opportunity and to the best of my ability."

Premier, I have no doubt that you have many talents to use on behalf on your country and I wish you well on your 'long and winding journey'.

Ladies and gentlemen: I propose a toast to the good health of Premier Wen Jiabao and the people of China .