Education, tourism and the economy were all discussed during a visit to Belfast by the Chinese Ambassador to the UK last week.
Zheng Zeguang met with the First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly during the trip, which he described as an honour.
The visit also happened amid some tension following the charging of two men in the UK amid claims they were spying for China. The Chinese Embassy called the allegations “completely fabricated” and “malicious slander
Four people were arrested in Germany last week on suspicion of spying for China.
In a statement on social media regarding his visit, Mr Zeguang said: “We agreed to actively tap the potential of practical cooperation btw China and NI to bring more benefits to people of both sides.” The ambassador also attended the China-UK/Northern Ireland Education Cooperation Forum at Ulster University.
Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang on Wednesday attended the China-UK/Northern Ireland Education Cooperation Forum at Ulster University in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, an event marking the inaugural educational forum between China and Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/ydTBO5PavO
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) May 3, 2024
According to the Executive Office, political leaders “discussed a number of areas of common interest such as education, tourism and economic matters”
China Daily, published by the Communist Party, reported that “Northern Ireland enjoys excellent natural conditions and great potentials for development.
“China encourages Chinese businesses, students, and tourists to invest, study, and travel in Northern Ireland and welcomes more Northern Ireland investment, quality products and students in China.”
China Daily quoted the pair stating the “Northern Ireland government attaches importance to developing its relationship with China”.
It added: “The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further developing the friendship and cooperation.”
