On June 20, Ambassador He Xiangdong and Madame Xia Lining hosted a reception in Dublin to celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-Ireland diplomatic relations. Ambassador He and the Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl delivered speeches at the reception. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin sent a message of congratulations. 

Ambassador He reviewed the historical exchanges between China and Ireland and the achievements in the bilateral cooperation in various fields over the past 45 years. He stressed that so long as China and Ireland are prepared to seek common ground while accommodating differences, the two countries will forge a consensus to further promote this relations for more benefits of the two countries and two peoples.

The Ceann Comhairle said that Ireland and China have nurtured and developed links over many years. Because of the good relations Ireland and China have built up over the past 45 years, people to people connections and business opportunities continues to progress. Ireland will continue to promote sensible, practical and respectful dialogue between Ireland and China for the benefit of all our people.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Charles Flanagan TD, James O'Connor TD, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, and more than 300 guests from the Irish Government, Defense Forces, County and City councils, Diplomatic Corps, and various local communities attended the reception.