Remarks by H.E. Luo Linquan, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, At
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Remarks by H.E. Luo Linquan, During my “short but intense” two and a half years’ tenure, I Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, have been fortunate enough to witness and participate in two great events: Mr. Xi Jinping’s visit to Ireland in February 2012, at his Farewell Reception and the Taoiseach’s visit to China one month later. These (Dublin, 20 February 2014) two visits have elevated the friendly ties between China and Ireland to a historically new high point, and have ushered in a Ceann Comhairle, new era for us to build a Strategic Partnership for Mutually Minister Simon Coveney, Beneficial Cooperation. Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, President Xi was so impressed and pleased with his successful Minister James Reilly, visit to Ireland that he now keeps in his office, next to pictures Dean of the diplomatic corps, Dear Colleagues, of his family, a photograph of him kicking Gaelic football at Distinguished Guests, Croak Park, and this picture is one of the only six photos in his Ladies and Gentlemen: office. Good afternoon! Last Thursday when I paid a farewell courtesy call to the Taoiseach, Mr. Kenny reaffirmed his personal commitment to Thank you all so much for attending my farewell reception. I Ireland’s Strategic Partnership with China. arrived in Dublin on August 26th, 2011, and I will be concluding my tenure as the 11th Ambassador of the People’s The important consensus reached between our top national Republic of China to Ireland at the end of this month. leaders has not only indicated and illuminated the direction of China-Ireland relations, but it has also created fresh, strong At this moment, my heart is filled with gratitude, reluctance impetus for the development of shared interests. and hope. Last year was equally eventful and fruitful. Chinese Vice I wish to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” and to give Premier Ma Kai made a productive trip to Ireland, and the my best wishes for the future to all those who are keen to see visits to China by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett and the development of China-Ireland relations continue and who Cathaoirleach Paddy Burke, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign have so graciously and generously supported the work of the Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore were also very successful. Chinese Embassy. 1 2 As far as I know, nearly two thirds of the Irish Cabinet I would like to once again warmly congratulate the Taoiseach members have already visited China, and several more Irish and the Irish Government on this remarkable achievement. ministers will make trips to China this year. Besides, I have also received nearly 30 ministers or vice ministers from China. Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m particularly pleased that China has been Ireland’s largest I have been to nearly half of the counties and cities in Ireland. trading partner in Asia for seven consecutive years. In 2013, I have been greatly impressed by the beauty of Ireland and the the bilateral trade volume increased by 10.5% to 6.67 billion friendliness of the Irish people. U.S. dollars, with Ireland maintaining a trade surplus. Chinese investment in Ireland is also on the rise. I am When I was asked by Taoiseach Kenny to comment on Ireland, hopeful and confident that the positive momentum will I said: “The air is quite clean; the grass is very green; and Irish continue into the future, for there is enormous potential in the people are so serene.” The Taoiseach smiled and responded mutually beneficial cooperation between Ireland and China in with a poetic and somewhat sentimental line of lyrics, from an trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology old song: “Preserve your memories; they're all that's left you.” and other areas. The 900 plus days that my wife and I have spent here in More and more Chinese students choose to further their Ireland will be a cherished part of our memories. We have academic studies in Ireland; I myself have come across quite a indeed fallen in love with Ireland. When we depart, with few postdoctoral researchers and PhD students from China. sadness and reluctance, what we will take with us is far more Scientists and technicians of our countries have come together than fond memories of Ireland’s clean air, green grass and in many different projects, complementing one another with wisdom in serenity; we will keep in our memories many their respective experiences and expertise. Cultural images of a unique culture that reveals the admirable Celtic exchanges between China and Ireland are not only on the rise spirit – the harp, Riverdance, hurling, Gaelic football, but also proving commercially viable. Riverdance has had Guinness, to name just a few. Undoubtedly, my wife and I extremely successfully tours in over 40 Chinese cities, and the will also rejoice in our fond memories of Irish people – we Irish dancers and musicians have drawn inspirational elements will never forget your friendliness, your hospitality, your from the ancient Chinese civilization. humour, and your passion for fine and fast horses. My tenure was an important period for the development of We will miss a lot about Ireland. But what we will miss most enhanced relations between our countries. It has been my is the numerous friends we have made here in the past two and privilege to witness the significant endeavours and strides that a half years. It is your staunch support and kind assistance Ireland has made to address its economic challenges. I share that have made my life and work here so merry, memorable your joy and pride in Ireland’s exit from the Troika bailout. and meaningful! Thanks a million! 3 4 Let me assure you that my departure will not reduce or change Ladies and Gentlemen, my firm commitment to support the blossoming ties between China and Ireland which are already bearing fruit. The Please raise your glasses and join me in a toast passage of time will never reduce or dilute my feelings for To the prosperity of both Ireland and China, Ireland and the Irish people. Wherever I am accredited next, To the happiness of our peoples, I will continue to keep my eyes open for opportunities to do To the robust development of the China-Ireland strategic what I can to contribute to the friendship between our two partnership, and countries. To everlasting friendship! Ganbei (干杯)! Cheers! Sláinte! Before my departure, I want to say something to my countrymen in Ireland: Accomplishments in the history of China-Ireland relations would not have been attainable without the support of the local Chinese communities, Chinese students and Chinese companies in Ireland. I’m much appreciative of your contributions. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Dublin, I thank you all for your great endeavours and unfailing support. To my Embassy staff, let me take this opportunity to put on record that I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and my wife in the past two and a half years. I will stay in touch. Please keep me informed! Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends, You have all treated me so nicely. I hope you will accord the same hospitality, support and friendship to my successor, Ambassador Xu Jianguo. It is my hope and belief that continued joint efforts by both sides will open up new prospects for China-Ireland relations and the people of both our countries will enjoy more tangible benefits of a solid, enhanced and substantiated strategic partnership. 5 6 .