Chinese Premier Li Qiang has arrived in Dublin as part of a two-day visit to Ireland.

Air China flight CCA001, the largest commercial aircraft to ever land at Dublin Airport, touched down just after 8.30pm.

The Boeing 747-8 has a wingspan of 68m and is 76m long - bigger than Air Force One which carries the US President.

Qiang, who is the second in command to the Chinese President, was greeted on the tarmac by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan.

The moment Chinese Premier Li Qiang stepped off the plane at Dublin Airport to be welcomed by Minister @EamonRyan. 🇮🇪 🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/oZszg5OItf

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) January 16, 2024

He will meet Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a bilateral meeting at Farmleigh tomorrow.

The men are expected to discuss global issues, bilateral issues and EU-China relations.

He will also hold talks with President Michael D Higgins.

The plane carrying Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at Dublin Airport for a two-day visit to Ireland, 16-1-24. Image PA Images Alamy

It comes in a year in which Ireland will mark 45 years of diplomatic relations with China.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Varadkar said China is an important partner.

"China is one of the world's great powers politically and economically and I am glad that Premier Li has decided to include Ireland in his itinerary," he said.

"China is an important economic partner, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has a huge role to play in overcoming the shared challenges the world faces - including working for peace and security in the world and ensuring we stop climate change.

"Under our Asia-Pacific Strategy, the Government is also committed to growing our bilateral political, economic and people to people relationships throughout the region, including with China.

"I look forward to what I hope will be an in-depth and constructive discussion on issues where we are of like-mind, as well as those on which we have a different perspective," he added.

Restrictions

The visit will be concentrated in Dublin including the Phoenix Park and south city centre.

Gardaí have said traffic restrictions will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be "localised and minimal".

An Garda Síochána have confirmed the Phoenix Park will be closed to all access, traffic and pedestrians from 7pm on Tuesday January 16th to 7pm on Wednesday January 17th.

Arrangements will be in place for access for residents, staff and stakeholders only.

Gardaí have said they will continue to liaise with business and local residents in key locations and communicate directly with them during the visit.

People in affected areas are advised to plan their day, leave extra time for their journeys and to expect some localised delays.

Real-time updates will also be provided, where required, on An Garda Síochána's social media platforms.

Main image: Li Qiang, Premier of China, gives a press statement in Berlin, Germany 10-6-23. Image dpa picture alliance Alamy