Peking University, Beijing, Mar. 24, 2009:  Peking University (PKU) held the  Symposium on the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Ireland Diplomatic Relations in Tan Siu Lin Center for International Studies on the afternoon of March 18.  Mr. H.E. Declan Kelleher, Ambassador of the Irish Embassy in China, Prof. Li Yansong, Director of Office of International Relations & Assistant of PKU President, and Zheng Qingwen, Vice-Chairman of PKU Youth Federation attended the symposium.

Prof. Li Yansong and Mr. H.E. Declan Kelleher made speeches during the symposium respectively.  In their speeches, they all recalled the cooperation and exchanges on education between the two countries and looked forward to the future communication between the two sides in education and culture.  Mr. H.E. Declan Kelleher started his speech in Chinese fluently which won ardent applauses from the audience.  Then, he and Prof. Li Yansong exchanged presents on behalf of the Irish Embassy in China and PKU respectively.

The student representative of PKU described Ireland in Chinese students’ eyes.  Then, the passionate Irish tap dance given by three young dancers from McKenna School of Irish Dancing has pushed the symposium to a climax.  They also broadcasted the Irish classical musical “Riverdance” and the scenes of Ireland on video to show Ireland and its culture’s unique charm to the audiences. 

Graduate Association of PKU and European Society of Peking University have organized the series activities of “Irish Charm” together to memorize the achievements gained during these thirty years since the establishment of China-Ireland diplomatic relations, enhance the communication and cooperation between the two countries, and promote the understanding and exchanges in the young generations as well.  During this one-week-long period, they have displayed the unique charm of Irish culture through Irish Culture Exhibition, Exchange Symposium on Marking the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Ireland Diplomatic Relations, and broadcasting Irish classical movies, which have furthered the PKU students’ and teachers’ understanding of Irish history, customs, economy, and culture.