On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Catherine Connolly, who officially assumed the presidency of Ireland. In his message, Xi highlighted the significant progress achieved in China-Ireland relations over the 46 years since diplomatic ties were established. He emphasized the mutual learning and friendly cooperation that have driven remarkable development between the two nations. Xi noted the close exchanges and fruitful results in practical cooperation in recent years, underscoring his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He expressed his willingness to work with President Connolly to enhance political trust, uphold traditional friendship, support multilateralism and free trade, and further develop the mutually beneficial strategic partnership for the benefit of both peoples. Connolly, 68, secured 63.36% of first preference votes in last month’s Irish presidential election and was sworn in as Ireland’s 10th president at Dublin Castle, beginning her seven-year term.