Recently, Ireland's Ambassador to China Ann Derwin and First Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Eoin McDonnell visited the Irish Studies Centre at the School of English and International Studies, after having attended the celebration ceremony of the 80th anniversary of the foundation of Beijing Foreign Studies University.

At the Irish Studies Centre, Ambassador Derwin was welcomed by Professor Wang Zhanpeng and Professor Chen Li from the Centre. They reviewed the past achievements of the Centre's academic and cultural exchanges with the Irish Embassy and partner universities. Ambassador Ann Derwin presented the Irish Studies Centre with books on Irish literature and culture.

Afterwards, Ambassador Ann Derwin and First Secretary Eoin McDonnell met the teachers and students of the Irish Studies Centre. Ambassador Ann Derwin introduced the current status of China-Irish relations, especially educational cooperation and exchanges, and the students and teachers shared their impressions of Ireland and discussed topics such as Irish literature, Irish language and bilateral relations in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Ambassador Ann Derwin said that the practical cooperation between China and Ireland in various fields has broad prospects and a promising future, and that the Irish Studies Centre can make a unique contribution to the development of China-Irish relations.

This is Ambassador Derwin’s first visit to the Irish Studies Centre at BFSU since she took up her post in January 2021. It helped to deepen her understanding of the Irish Studies programme at BFSU and inspired new passion in young students for pursuing their studies in Irish culture and literature.