Martin trip to China aims to enhance bilateral relations

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will meet Irish business people in China today as part of a five-day visit aimed …

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will meet Irish business people in China today as part of a five-day visit aimed at deepening diplomatic, trade and educational links between the two countries, writes Mary Fitzgerald, Foreign Affairs Correspondent.

During the trip, Mr Martin will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, and the country’s vice-premier, Li Keqiang.

The Minister’s itinerary includes a visit to the Irish Pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, and presentations at Shanghai’s Fudan University and Beijing’s Foreign Studies University. Mr Martin will also travel to Hong Kong and the cities of Shenzen and Dalian to meet with prospective investors and to highlight existing Irish business interests in China.

Mr Martin said the trip would enhance the “significant” bilateral relations that exist between Ireland and China.