Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern told Chinese university students here Tuesday that Ireland is eager to strengthen contacts between Irish and Chinese universities, and welcomes more Chinese students to study in Ireland.

Addressing approximately 300 students and teachers at the prestigious Tsinghua University, Ahern said both Ireland and China have long histories with a strong sense of responsibility. In recent years, the two countries have supported each other in many international affairs. Their trade ties advanced remarkably, and educational and cultural exchanges have increased.

The educational exchanges between the two countries play an important role in promoting bilateral relations, Ahern said.

"I see my current visit as a platform for a further boost to the political, human, educational, cultural, trade and commercial relations between our two countries." 

Ahern said he hoped that Ireland and China will also explore new fields of cooperation , including sports and physical culture.

Ahern brought some Irish university heads and professors as well as 30 educational officials with him to China. They will discuss university exchanges with their Chinese counterparts.

Irish Minister of Education Mary Hanafin will sign an agreement with her Chinese counterpart Zhou Ji on mutually recognized qualification standards.

Prime Minister Ahern arrived here Monday for a six-day official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.

This is Ahern's second official visit to China as Irish Prime Minister. His last visit was made in September 1998.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2005)