Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny visited Tsinghua University and delivered a speech entitled "Ireland and China in a Changing World" in the Tsinghua Global Vision Lectures Series in Tsinghua's Main Building on March 28. Mr. Declan Kelleher, the Irish Ambassador to China, accompanied Mr. Kenny on his visit.

Tsinghua University President Chen Jining had a discussion with Mr. Kenny prior to the speech, exchanging ideas on ways of further promoting collaborations between Tsinghua and Irish universities in joint research, education, and student exchange.  Mr. Luo Linquan, the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, and Tsinghua University Vice President Yuan Si  also attended  the discussion.

In his speech, Mr. Kenny introduced the Irish  record of economic and social transformation, achievements, and challenges in the current global situation.  He focused on the development of Ireland-China cooperation across a broad range of areas, based on the warm and close friendship between the two countries.  He also offered some suggestions for the future deepening of bilateral relations.