Ireland and China have confirmed they have established a strategic partnership for co-operation on a range of issues.
The deal includes the areas of trade and investment, tourism, education, science, agriculture and food.
The two countries issued a joint statement following Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s meeting with Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People’s Congress in Beijing today.
In the statement, Ireland reiterated what was described as its firm and unwavering commitment to the one China policy and its opposition to all propositions and comments aimed at undermining China’s territorial integrity.
China always insists that countries refrain from any public support for independence for either Tibet or Taiwan.
Commenting on conclusion of the agreement, Mr Kenny said: "This agreement will put Ireland-China relations on a new level. It provides a clear and important framework for closer engagement and co-operation in all of the key areas of interest to Ireland.
"This type of agreement is especially important in the Chinese political, administrative and business system. It is a new and highly significant development in Ireland-China relations, and puts the seal on a very successful visit to China.
"I will ensure that there is comprehensive cross-Government follow-up in respect of the various elements of this agreement and the many important sectoral memorandums of understanding which were concluded during this week's visit."
The Taoiseach is due to fly back to Dublin overnight.
Meanwhile, Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has said Ireland can look with confidence to some announcements in the near future that will bring investments from Chinese firms.
He said the IDA had met 16 Chinese companies in the course of this week’s visit.
Mr Bruton said the trade mission to China had been a remarkably successful venture and that Enterprise Ireland clients had written €35m in new contracts during the week.
Mr Bruton was speaking in Beijing at the end of his six-day visit to China.
