Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. was delighted to meet a high level Chinese aviation delegation in Dublin today. The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Feng Zhenglin, the Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Minister Ross met with the delegation this morning and discussed a number of aviation issues of mutual interest.
Ireland and China have had good relations in the past in the aviation field. An Air Service Agreement was signed between the two countries in 1998. The meeting today followed up on these previous contacts and will provide direction for future aviation relations between Ireland and China.
After the meeting Minister Ross commented: “As an island nation with one of the most open economies in the world, aviation is vital for Ireland. I’m glad to say that the Irish aviation sector continues to grow strongly, in line with our overall economic recovery. The establishment of a direct air service between Ireland and China is an important priority for the Irish Government. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am particular keen to promote such a service.”
Following the meeting a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two sides, which will help facilitate the establishment of a direct air service. The Government, Irish airports and the State agencies, such as Tourism Ireland, are working to encourage an airline to launch such services.
Such a service would help foster the growing trade, tourism, education and cultural links between Ireland and China.
Other matters discussed included cooperation in the field of aviation leasing and finance, EU-China relations and the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which both countries will be attending in Montreal this week.
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Press Office, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport 01 604 1090 / 01 604 1093 www.dttas.ie pressoffice@dttas.ie
