Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks Wednesday?at Beijing?with Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin.

Yang said China-Ireland relations had made headway thanks to concerted effort by both sides. China appreciated Ireland's adherence to the one-China policy and the support for China's core interests and major concerns.

"China hopes Ireland can play a bigger role in promoting China-Europe ties," said Yang.

Martin said his country had treated China as an important partner in Asia over the past decade. He hoped both sides could cooperate more in trade, agriculture, education, culture and tourism to fight protectionism.

Ireland supported the EU in actively developing relations with China and would play a constructive role in promoting the EU's recognition of the full market economy status of China, Martin said.

Martin is on an official visit to China from May 24 to 28 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

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