Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Luo Linquan hailed bilateral ties between Ireland and China as an exemplar of how friendly coexistence can be maintained between two countries of different sizes and systems.

As Ireland ramps up preparations for an official visit of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Ambassador Luo told Xinhua in a recent interview that the visit would add to the steady development of economic cooperation as well as academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations which established diplomatic ties in 1979.

"Bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and soundly. Currently, the relations enjoy very good momentum, with frequent high-level mutual visits and deepening political mutual trust," Luo said.

(Source: Xinhua)