The great friend of the Chinese people, former Irish High Court judge Dermot Kinlen, passed away at his country home in Sneem, Co. Kerry on Wednesday, 18th July. Ambassador Zhang Xinsen extended his profound condolences to the Irish Government and people and to the families of Judge Kinlen. The message of condolences is as follows:

"I learned of the passing away of His Justice Dermot Kinlen with astonishment, sadness and deep sorrow. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I would like to extend my profound condolences to the Irish Government and people, and to the families of Judge Kinlen.

Judge Kinlen was a great friend of the Chinese people. In his legendary life, he, together with  the former President of Ireland, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, were so visionary that they visited China as early as in 1977 and subsequently contributed to the process of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China. He served as President of the Irish-Chinese Cultural Society and had visited China on many occasions. He dedicated himself to enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. He was conferred an Award of Friendship Envoy by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries for his great contribution. His passing away is a great loss to both peoples. But for sure the cause of friendship he pioneered will bear more fruitful results in the years to come.