Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng led a delegation to the Republic of Ireland on Nov. 12-14. During the visit, Huai met with Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons (Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann), and held talks with Niall Collins, Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. He also visited Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD) and Technological University Dublin (TUD), signaling China’s commitment to further opening up its education sector. The two sides exchanged views on promoting Sino-Irish educational cooperation and people-to-people exchange and reached consensus on topics such as talent training, joint research, innovative education and industry-school integration. Both sides expressed their willingness to enhance policy communication and cooperation and contribute to the development of bilateral relations through educational initiatives based on principles of openness, innovation and cooperation.

During this trip, Huai attended a signing ceremony between MOE’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) and UCD. He also visited faculty and student representatives of the UCD Confucius Institute and presented them with Chinese books.

China's Ambassador to Ireland He Xiangdong participated in related activities.