Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern: The Great Wall Witnesses a Century-long Friendship

The Great Wall, an ancient historical structure, a world cultural heritage, and a world-famous tourist attraction, is still standing in the eastern part of the world after experiencing two millenniums of vicissitude. It attracts people from across the world.

In September 1998, Bertie Ahern, then Prime Minister of Ireland, visited China for the first time and climbed the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing.

The ancient brick wall stretches along mountain ridges with ups and downs. Standing on the Great Wall and looking far off into the distance, one’s eyes are filled with the breathtaking surrounding scenery.

Prime Minister Ahern expressed his excitement with the inscription, “Thank you for a very enjoyable visit.”

Prime Minister Ahern was fascinated not only by the great structure, but also by China, a country that is always exuding vitality.

He said, Since leading the Irish government these years, from the financial center and the hotel shopping malls, to the ordinary office buildings, I can see Chinese everywhere.

The Chinese people are good at communication, good at getting on with things, very friendly, and like to have fun - which happens to be a lot like the Irish.

Over the years, Prime Minister Ahern has made unremitting efforts to enhance friendly exchanges between China and Ireland. In his words, Cultural exchanges will add vigor to the relationship of the two countries. He was probably referring to the large dance drama “Riverdance”, which is known as the “Irish cultural ambassador”.

In 2003, Riverdance took to the Chinese stage, bringing the two peoples closer together, and bilateral cooperation has since made great strides in many areas, both politically and economically.

The Badaling Great Wall has been lit up in green many times to respond to Ireland’s “Greening the World” campaign, celebrating Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day in a unique way.

The Great Wall, a great symbol of Chinese civilization and wisdom, has witnessed nearly 100 years of friendship and cultural exchanges between China and Ireland, showing the world the peace-loving nature of the Chinese.