On September 3, Premier Zhu Rongji held talks with Irish Prime Minister Ahern. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on how to promote the development of bilateral relations and other issues of common concern in a friendly and candid atmosphere.

Zhu expressed thanks to Ahern for his invitation and the warm and friendly reception accorded to the Chinese delegation by the Irish government and people. He said that there exist friendly relations between the Chinese and Irish people, which have been developing very quickly in recent years. Ahern’s 1998 visit to China played an important role in promoting the development of bilateral relations. At present, Chinese and Irish economies are developing rapidly, which provides a solid foundation for the further development of bilateral relations. Ireland are successful in industrial restructuring and achieved a high rate of economic growth with the support of state-of-the-art technologies centering upon the information industry. Ireland accumulated a lot of successful experiences in various fields, which China should learn.

Zhu said that the Chinese government attaches importance to developing long-term stable friendly relations and cooperation with Ireland. At present, economic cooperation and trade between the two countries have achieved notable progress, but the absolute amount is still small. There is great potential to expand cooperation. Zhu pointed out three areas of future cooperation. First, exchanges and cooperation should be promoted in software development and other high-tech areas. The Chinese side welcomes Irish high-tech personnel coming to China to conduct cooperation projects and is ready to import more high-tech products from Ireland. Second, exchanges between the two countries in cultural and educational fields should be boosted so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. At present, both are sending an increasing number of students to each other. The two sides may further expand cooperation channels and promote cooperation levels to conduct wider cooperation. Third, labor service cooperation should be explored. Ireland is building infrastructure. China has a lot of experience in overseas contract construction and is willing to actively participate in Irish construction projects. Zhu said that the two counties have broad prospects of cooperation. It is believed that with efforts by the two sides, bilateral friendly relations and cooperation will score greater development.

Ahern extended, on behalf of the Irish government and people, a warm welcome to Zhu for his visit to Ireland. He fully agreed with Zhu’s assessment on Ireland-China relations and expressed satisfaction over the rapid development of bilateral relations in recent years. He said that he has met Zhu on several occasions. They have constantly exchanged views during international conferences aside from mutual visits thus promoting the development of bilateral relations.

Ahern said that Ireland attaches great importance to relations with China. He saw China’s great development during his 1998 visit. After his return to Ireland from that visit, the Irish government made it a strategy to cooperate with Asian countries, China in particular. China’s potential for further development is great. Ireland is ready to further strengthen cooperation with China in information technology and strive to explore more areas for further cooperation. Ireland welcomes more Chinese students to Ireland and believes it will further promote the development of bilateral relations. Ireland faces a human resources problem in its infrastructure building and is willing to start labor services cooperation with China on a large scale.

Ahern said that the Irish people have friendly feelings towards the great Chinese people and admires the achievements China has made on all fronts. The Irish side is ready to work with the Chinese side to make unremitting efforts to promote the constant development of Ireland-China relations.

The two Prime ministers briefed each other on respective domestic economic development and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in international affairs, particularly inside the UN Security Council. The two sides also briefed each other on their respective views on human rights. They expressed the willingness to continue dialogue on that issue and make efforts to promote the progress of the international human rights cause.

After the talks, the two Prime ministers attended a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation. They met the press together and took their questions.