China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin told an Irish Parliament delegation in Beijing on June 8 that China hopes to improve cooperation with Ireland on bilateral and international issues to strengthen mutual-trust and friendly cooperation.

In a meeting with the Irish delegation, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the relations between China and Ireland have been developing fast over recent years with frequent high-level visits and economic, educational and cultural cooperation.

Jia said the CPPCC wants to improve communication with the Irish parliament and contribute to the development of bilateral ties.

"We welcome Irish Parliament members and friends from all sectors to China...to improve mutual-understanding, expanding consensus, narrowing disputes and deepening friendship," he said.

Jia also expressed China's appreciation to Ireland for its adherence to its one-China policy.

The Irish delegation, led by Rory O'Hanlon, chairman of the House of Representatives, had visited Shanghai and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region before their trip to Beijing.

Rory O'Hanlon said Ireland hopes to improve cooperation with China on agriculture and information technology.

He also expressed his country's firm support for China's one-China policy, saying that it will not change.

Source: Xinhua