Ireland and China this morning signed an agreement on cultural co-operation that paves the way for study visits and cultural festivals between the countries.
Signed by Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Ms De Valera and Chinese Minister of Culture Mr Sun Jiazheng, the agreement recognises that artistic collaborations and sharing cultural information enhance understanding.
Three initiatives are covered under today’s agreement, including a series of visits by heads of cultural institutions from both countries.
A festival of Irish culture will be held in China, with a reciprocal festival of Chinese culture being held in Ireland.
Chinese Premier Mr Zhu Rongji - who watched a performance of Riverdance last night - today extended an invitation for the dance company to make a long visit to China.
Study exchange visits for students and academics from both countries will also be explored as a means of exchanging cultural information.
