A subtle and very positive relationship is slowly growing between two diverse and distant countries. China and Ireland, geographically speaking might be thousands of miles away from each other. Distance however will not keep these two countries apart especially if both of them are driven towards progress. Ireland's President Michael Higgins' recent visit to China is a monumental proof to this viewpoint.
The visit of President Higgins was warmly welcomed by China's Premier Li Keqiang. "There is a long geographic distance between our two countries. However, there has been a long standing friendship between our two peoples," said Premier Li during an interview. This visit also marks the 35th anniversary of Ireland and China's diplomatic relations.
Statistics also agree with the current positive economic and technological drive between the two countries. To date, there are 2,400 Irish students in China and 2,700 Chinese students in universities and other learning institutions within Ireland. These numbers simply shows that cultural difference is merely a thing of the past.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, a graduate of Tsinghua University, and Irish President Michael Higgins, a graduate of National University of Ireland, both witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on education and research collaboration in Beijing.
This is also President Higgins' first diplomatic visit to an Asian nation since he was elected to the Irish presidency last 2011.
President Higgins is expected to visit various Chinese cities. Among them are Shanghai, Zhejiang and Hangzhou. His agenda is mainly focused on the promotion of tourism, entrepreneurship and trade between the two countries.
This reinforced economic and political tie between Ireland and China will not only boost trade and economic performance between the two countries but will also bring China closer to the rest of Europe.
Symbiosis or Mutualism is a kind of relationship wherein both parties benefit from each other.