China inaugurates new consulate general in Britain's Belfast

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L), Chinese ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming (2nd R), First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter D Robinson (1st R) and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness pose for a photo during their meeting in Belfast, Britain, June 8, 2015. Wang Yi on Monday inaugurated China's latest consulate general here in Belfast, capital of Britain's Northern Ireland region. [Photo/Xinhua]

BELFAST, Britain - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday inaugurated China's latest consulate general in Belfast, the capital of Britain's Northern Ireland region.

It became China's third consulate general in Britain, following those in Manchester and Edinburgh.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wang said the creation of the new consulate general in Belfast was a manifestation of the ever closer China-Britain relations and would add more color to the bilateral ties in 2015.

By setting up this new consulate general, Wang said, China intended to send a clear signal that the Chinese side was committed to developing long-term, stable, friendly and cooperative relations with the region.

He added that China was willing to work with Northern Ireland to strength agricultural cooperation, import more farm produce from Northern Ireland, boost two-way investment, and expand collaboration in innovation, environmental protection, electronics and communications.

Wang said that China wanted to team up with Northern Ireland to jointly develop Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms, so that more young people in the region could learn about the Chinese culture and Chinese language and thus create more opportunities for their future career.

Noting that the consulate general would open a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two sides, the foreign minister said he hoped it would become a window for Northern Ireland to get more knowledge about China, and a bridge for win-win cooperation and mutual understanding.

Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to Britain, said the new consulate general met the practical needs of the two sides for expanded cooperation, displayed China's confidence in Northern Ireland's peace and stability, and showed China's expectations for further partnership with the region.

Wang Shuying, the first Chinese consul general to be based in Belfast, said she and her team in the consulate would spare no efforts in fulfilling their obligations and responsibilities, and would try their best to satisfy the needs and expectations of the Chinese community in Northern Ireland.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive said China's decision to set up the consulate in Belfast demonstrated the country's firm commitment to developing relations with the region, and the local government would actively support the work of the new consulate.

Government representatives from Northern Ireland jointly inaugurated with Wang the Chinese consulate general.