Beijing, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The active anti-epidemic cooperation between China and Ireland has illustrated the two countries' traditional friendship and their effective and practical bilateral cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
In a phone conversation with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney, Wang said China is willing to continue trying its best to support Ireland in battling the pandemic, and has faith in Ireland's victory over the virus.
Wang said that despite the impact of COVID-19, trade and investment of the two sides have grown, and the two sides' cooperation in the fields of science and technology as well as education is moving forward smoothly.
China-Ireland relations have maintained their continuity and stability, showing a good momentum for development and bringing key benefits to the two peoples, said Wang, adding that it is hoped that the two sides can jointly achieve a better development of bilateral ties.
Congratulating Ireland on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2020-2021, he noted that the UN Security Council has been at the forefront of upholding multilateralism, safeguarding the UN Charter as well as defending international fairness and justice.
The world today is full of growing uncertainty and instability, and China is willing to strengthen coordination with Ireland at the UN Security Council so that the UN body can play its due role in safeguarding world peace and security, Wang said, expressing the hope that the Irish side can continue to play a positive and constructive role in promoting an in-depth development of China-EU relations.
For his part, Coveney said his country and China have carried out good cooperation in the face of the epidemic, and appreciated China's valuable support and assistance to Ireland in its fight against the virus, adding that Ireland believes that only multilateral cooperation can effectively address global challenges such as maintaining public health.
The Irish side hopes to continue fostering mutual respect with China, engaging in frank dialogues, deepening friendship and promoting cooperation with China, he said, adding that his country will uphold the spirit of independence, adhere to principles and fulfill its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
He added that Ireland looks forward to close communication and coordination between the two sides on international and regional hotspot issues, adding that EU-China relations are full of opportunities, and Ireland is willing to play an active role in promoting EU-China relations. Enditem
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