Paul Murphy
Ceist:160. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, and other Chinese officials on 17 May 2015. [20483/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 May 2015
Ceisteanna (160)
Freagraí scríofa
I held official talks with Chinese Premier, Mr Li Keqiang, during his visit to Ireland on 17 and 18 May.
We had positive and constructive discussions on a range of topics, including the economic situation in Ireland and China, the strength of our bilateral trade relationship and the potential for growth, including through increased investment in Ireland by Chinese companies and enhanced air connectivity. We agreed to further strengthen people-to-people links, including through educational exchanges. We discussed a range of global issues including EU-China relations, the post-2015 development agenda, UN issues, human rights and climate change.
I was accompanied at the talks by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Finance, Education and Skills, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Ministers of State with special responsibility for European Affairs and Data Protection and Food, Forestry, Horticulture and Food Safety.
The Premier was accompanied by eight Ministers: Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Xu Shaoshi, Minister of National Development and Reform Commission; Mr. Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce; Mr. Xiao Jie, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council; Mr. Ning Jizhe, Director, Research Office of the State Council; Mr. Wang Chao, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for European Affairs; Mr. Shi Gang, Director of the Office to Premier Li Keqiang and Mr. Han Changfu, Minister for Agriculture.
During the visit, the Premier also visited a family-run beef and dairy farm in Headford which demonstrated that Ireland has the highest standards of food safety, quality and traceability in our food production systems and which showcased Ireland as a tourist destination.
The Premier and I also witnessed the signing of two bilateral agreements between Ireland and China, on agricultural co-operation and diplomatic visa waivers.