Injection of new force into China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership

The European Union is the largest trade partner of China. The EU's importance to China will increase as the relationship and cooperation between the two economies expands, Yang said.

As a important EU member and the country that will hold the EU presidency in the first half of 2013, Ireland plays an prominent role in international affairs.

Xi's trip to Ireland injected a new driving force for the development of China-EU relations, Yang said.

During his visit, Xi exchanged views over the issues of China-EU relations and the European sovereign debt.

China adheres to the policy that the development of its relations with the EU is one of the priorities of its foreign relations strategy, Xi said. He said China constantly supports European integration and that to maintain healthy development of China-EU ties, the two countries need to mutually respect and fairly communicate with each other and address differences in a friendly and practical way.

Xi said he hopes that the Irish will have greater impact inside the EU and will further promote its relationship with China.

The vice president praised Ireland for its appropriate handling of debt issues. He stressed that China will continue to support the efforts from the EU, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank in a responsible way and within the realm of its abilities.

China will continue to enhance its policy communications and coordination with the EU, boost China-EU cooperation in the fields of economics and trade, and investment and finance. China will also continue to participate in international movements for supporting the EU and the euro zone.

Irish leaders expressed thanks for China's support in helping Europe  overcome the debt crisis.

Ireland also said it is China's good friend inside the EU and will further promote EU-China relations by taking advantage of its rotating presidency in the EU.

Strengthening of communications and coordination in major global issues

Yang said that currently, the international situation is undergoing profound changes on a continued basis while the interests of states have become increasingly interdependent.

Meanwhile, there are many uncertainties and unstable factors remaining in the international situation, Yang said. He added that the world's peace and development are facing both challenges and opportunities.

Ireland is an important member in the EU and there is good momentum in the development of China-Ireland ties, Yang said.

He also said that Turkey, which crosses the continents of both Asia and Europe, plays a significant role in regional and international affairs

During Xi's visits, the vice president has exchanges views with Turkish and Irish leaders on major international and regional issues such as the situations in West Asia and North Africa.

Xi noted that China hopes relative countries in the two regions will restore their stable and normal orders as soon as possible. He said China also respects and supports regions and countries to independently deal with internal issues.

Xi said that China also supports all diplomatic mediation efforts that contribute to stabilizing regional situations. China, Xi, said, is willing to work with the entire international community in strengthening communications and coordination and making persistent efforts to boost peace, stability and development in West Asia and North Africa.

Irish and Turkish leaders both expressed willingness to involvement in joint efforts with China to deepening coordination in global affairs, strengthen cooperation and promote relative issues to be handled and resolved with appropriate solutions.

Finally, Yang said Xi's official visits to Ireland and Turkey consolidated China's traditional friendships with Ireland and Turkey. He said the trips also enhanced political mutual trust, expanded pragmatic cooperation in all fields and strengthened China's communications and coordination with the two countries concerning major international and regional affairs.

He said the visits will have significant and profound influence in elevating China-Ireland and China-EU relations and in promoting the overall development of the ties between China and Turkey.