Ireland And China Co-Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has co-signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation and Exchange with China.

Paschal Donohoe co-signed the document alongside the Vice Minister of Culture from the People's Republic of China, Xiang Zhaolun, at an event at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Memorandum of Understanding takes into consideration the deepening of cultural relations that has taken place between the two countries in recent years, the significant increase in cultural presentations in both countries together with the increased cooperation between cultural institutions in both countries.

Also in attendance at the signing were Ms Fionnuala Croke, Director of the Chester Beatty Library, and Mr Yue Xiaoyong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland.

At the signing, Minister Donohoe highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and the fact that Ireland is seen as a country which over time, has led in this regard.

The Minister said: "The importance of culture as an intangible asset is very significant, and allows countries of different sizes such as Ireland and China, to appreciate each other's differences, while also providing us with an opportunity to celebrate our common humanity. In recent years, as the level of trade between Ireland and China has increased, so too has the level of cultural exchange. I hope that today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, will continue this process and lead to the further strengthening of cultural relations between our two countries."

(MH/LM)