Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with his Chinese counterparts regarding the proposed belt and road initiative dubbed the new Silk Road. [24356/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have had discussions with Chinese counterparts regarding the Belt and Road initiative, notably with the Chinese Foreign Minister when he visited Ireland in May 2015. The Taoiseach also raised the initiative with the Chinese Premier, and other Government Ministers have held discussions with counterparts in relation to the issue. Furthermore, officials from my Department have engaged with their counterparts on the initiative, in both Dublin and through Ireland’s Missions in China.

Such discussions have taken place within the context of exploring opportunities for strengthening trade and investment links between Ireland and China, and for enhancing connectivity between Europe and Asia more broadly.

Ireland was invited by China to participate in the Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing on 14-15 May of this year, and was represented by a senior official from the Department of Finance.

The Irish Government will continue to engage with Chinese counterparts on the Belt and Road initiative with a view to maximising the potential benefits to be accrued through the strengthening of the relationship between Ireland and China.