On May 14, 2013, Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Sean Barrett and Paddy Burke, Speakers of Dail Eireann, the House of Representatives, and Seanad Eireann, the Senate of Ireland , at the Great Hall of the People.

Yu Zhengsheng said China-Ireland relationship has entered a new stage of rapid, comprehensive and high-level development in recent years and is currently at a historical best. China and Ireland have great potential and a broad prospect for practical cooperation in all areas, as the two countries enjoy complementary advantages. China values the development of its relations with Ireland and will work with Ireland to deepen result-oriented cooperation in trade, agriculture and region-to-region exchanges for the benefits of both peoples.

Yu Zhengsheng said that the new session of CPPCC is willing to further develop its friendly relations with the Irish parliament and increase exchanges between specialized committees, so as to push forward the China-Ireland mutually-beneficial and strategic partnership.

Barrett and Burke said that with the increasingly close exchanges between the two countries, the Ireland-China friendship has been deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples. Ireland expects to enhance the practical cooperation with China in all areas and the Irish parliament will do more positive work to this end.