DUBLIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Luo Linquan hailed bilateral ties between Ireland and China as an exemplar of how friendly coexistence can be maintained between two countries of different sizes and systems.
As Ireland ramps up preparations for an official visit of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Ambassador Luo told Xinhua in a recent interview that the visit would add to the steady development of economic cooperation as well as academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations which established diplomatic ties in 1979.
"Bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and soundly. Currently, the relations enjoy very good momentum, with frequent high-level mutual visits and deepening political mutual trust," Luo said.
"We expect that, through this visit (of Xi Jinping), the two countries could further our traditional friendship, promote practical cooperation, and people-to-people communications, push our bilateral relations to a higher level, and promote China Europe relations," Luo said.
The ambassador pointed out that trade between China and Ireland had reached 5.87 billion U.S. dollars in 2011, a growth of an astounding 1,000 percent over three decades.
"For five consecutive years, China has been Ireland's largest trading partner in Asia," said Luo, adding that bilateral relations and cooperation could be further enhanced by continued mutual efforts in high-level official visits, mutual investment, and by jointly expanding emerging industries.
In addition to meeting with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, President Michael D. Higgins, and other officials on his three day visit, Xi will watch a special performance of River Dance and an exhibition game of hurling at Ireland's historic Croke Park.
Luo believed that these cultural exchanges would help enhance mutual friendship.
"The cultural treasure of Ireland, River Dance for instance, is well known all around the world and very famous in China as well," he said. "The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) has a lot of clubs all over the world. There are seven clubs in China, one in my hometown of Suzhou. I believe, through this visit, the cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Ireland will be promoted to a new high."
There are an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 Chinese residents in Ireland, representing the largest group of foreign residents. Luo believed that the Chinese community was an asset to Ireland.
"The community will continue to contribute to the prosperity of Irish economy and the multi-cultural society, and will act as a bridge between China and Ireland," he said.