Invited by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, a delegation of 14 young European politicians and think tank researchers from Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and UK visited Fujian from June 22 to 26. 

On June 25, Luo Dongchuan, Deputy Party Secretary of Fujian, met with the delegation in Fuzhou. He highlighted Fujian’s sound ecology, rich cultural heritage, thriving industries, prosperous private economy, strong global engagement, and high-quality growth underpinned by the rule of law, which offers exciting opportunities for the province’s cooperation with Europe. Luo called on the two sides to build on past successes, work more closely together in trade, tourism, culture, education and sports, and tighten links between parties, youths, think tanks, and sister cities. 

Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor, who is also Convenor of the China-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group and head of the delegation, said he was impressed by Fujian’s development, and looked forward to stronger cooperation across the board. 

In Fuzhou, the delegation learned about Fujian’s latest developments and major visions and practices pioneered by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his tenure in the city, and visited the 30th-anniversary exhibition on the achievements of the 3820 strategy, the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, and Fujian Chunlun Group. In Xiamen, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of local marine economy and ecological conservation efforts.