Press release
Visit by the Tánaiste to China
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste Micheál Martin will begin a visit to Beijing and Shanghai on Monday 6 November, his fourth such visit as a member of Government, and second as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
His programme in Beijing will include meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China and the EU-China relationship, as well as exchanging views on foreign policy issues and global challenges. The Tánaiste will also engage with the Irish community and business leaders and will address students at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, which hosts an Irish Studies Centre.
In Shanghai, the Tánaiste will formally open the new Ireland House offices which host Ireland’s Consulate General and State Agencies. His programme will also include an address at the China Europe International Business School on Ireland’s EU journey and EU-China relations and meetings with Irish businesses and the Irish community resident in Shanghai.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
"I very much look forward to renewing the political, cultural, and economic connections between China and Ireland, and to communicating the government’s priorities for the relationship.
"My meetings and engagements in Beijing provide an opportunity to outline Ireland’s policy objectives and to discuss a range of global challenges, including climate change, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the situation in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.
"Ireland’s relationship with China is based within the framework of the UN Charter and the global multilateral system and my engagements with political leaders will include discussions of China’s role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, of which it is holding the Presidency this month, and as a member of the Human Rights Council.
"In Shanghai, I am looking forward to formally opening Ireland House, meeting with our key business contacts in the region and with the Irish community.
"My programme includes key note speeches at the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the China EU Business School in Shanghai and I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to engage with students and young people, and discuss the future of the Ireland-China relationship with them."