[ambassador Fu Cong meets with Hanny, permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union] on May 26, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union, met with Ambassador Thomas Hani, permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on China-EU relations and other issues. Ambassador Fu said that the recent frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU have brought a new atmosphere to China-EU relations. China is willing to continue to deepen practical cooperation with Ireland and the European side in various fields and promote new progress in China-Ireland and China-EU relations. In the face of the intertwined international situation, China-EU relations have global influence and world significance. China and the EU should seek common ground while reserving differences, act toward each other, and work together to maintain and develop bilateral relations. China-Ireland relations are positive and friendly, and we hope that Ireland will play a constructive role and urge the European side to treat China-EU relations in a more balanced, rational and pragmatic manner. Han made positive comments on the bilateral relations between Ireland and China and said that he regards China as an important and constructive international partner, supports an open international trading system, firmly opposes decoupling, and appreciates China's positive role in mediating the crisis in Ukraine, promoting reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. There is a lot of room for cooperation between Europe and China in jointly dealing with global challenges, and EU member states support strengthening economic and trade relations with China. Ireland is willing to continue to work with China to promote the healthy development of EU-China relations. The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, EU sanctions against Russia and other issues.