China's Vice-President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny at Dublin Castle in Dublin February 19, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

DUBLIN - Visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping on Sunday pledged support for the euro and called for better China-Ireland and China-Europe ties.

China supports the stability of the euro and the eurozone, Xi told Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in their talks held at the renowned Dublin Castle on Sunday evening.

China attaches importance to the status of the euro, and is optimistic about the prospect of the single European currency, he said.

"We believe, the European Union (EU) has the ability, wisdom and solution to push forward relevant reforms and adjust itself to overcome the current difficulties."

"China will continue to support, in its own way, the efforts of the EU, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund in resolving sovereign debt crisis in Europe," he added.

China is concerned about the development of the debt problem in Europe, which is China's biggest export market. A stable euro is good for China.

Xi praised the development of relations between China and Ireland and expressed the hope that the two sides would continue to elevate traditional friendship and mutual trust and expand substantial communication and cooperation in a wide range of fields.

Xi said developing China-EU relations is a priority of China's foreign policy. China regards the EU as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports Europe's integration process and encourages the EU to play an even bigger role in the international arena, he said.

Kenny, for his part, said Ireland is willing to build closer relations with China and hope for more cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture and tourism.

Ireland will provide convenience and preferential treatment for Chinese investors in Ireland, Kenny said, adding that Ireland is willing to play a positive role in boosting China-EU relations.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents.

Before he held talks with Kenny, Xi visited James Lynch's farm near Shannon in southwestern Ireland earlier in the day.

Xi toured the farm, had an intimate chat with the family and tasted Irish coffee.

Xi said he was impressed by the fact that the development of Irish dairy farming not only benefited from Ireland's good natural conditions, but also from Irish people's hard-working and advanced scientific management.

He said the cooperation potential between China and Ireland is huge and mutual cooperation will not only benefit both countries, but also help safeguard food security in the world at large.

Ireland is the largest exporter of infant formula in the world, producing over 15 percent of the total global supply annually. The total value of infant formula exported to China in 2010 reached 85 million euros ($111 million), according to local press reports.

Local press were enthusiastic about Xi's visit. Irish mainstream TV channel RTE offered in-depth coverage of the tour, including interviews with senior Irish officials and scholars.

The Irish Times newspaper published an exclusive interview with Xi while The Independent carried a detailed report on Xi's visit on its website.

Sunday is the second day of Xi's stay in Ireland. On Sunday afternoon, Xi watched Gaelic football and hurling matches in Dublin, which are popular games in Ireland. After his talks with Kenny, Xi watched River Dance of Ireland, a well-known Irish dancing gala.

Xi is scheduled to meet with Irish President Michael Higgins and parliament leaders and address a business forum on Monday.

Xi arrived in Ireland after a visit to the United States. He leaves for Turkey on Monday.