Mr Varadkar said: "I look forward to extending a warm welcome to Premier Li on his first visit to Ireland.

It occurs in the same year that our two nations will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties.

"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."

The Taoiseach added: "China is a vital economic partner, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and has a big role to play in solving the common issues the world faces, including working for peace and security in the globe and ensuring we stop climate change.

"The Government is dedicated to expanding our bilateral political, economic, and people-to-people ties throughout the region, especially with China, in line with our Asia-Pacific Strategy.

"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."