China's Xi Jinping praises Ireland on world tour

Irish television broadcasts images of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in Ireland.

China's leader-in-waiting greets a newborn calf and sips Irish coffee at a dairy farm before touring the famous Cliffs of Moher.

Xi began a world tour in the U.S. last week, arrived in Ireland on Sunday and met Irish President Michael Higgins in Dublin for talks on Monday.

Ireland is the only stop Xi will make in Europe.

Appearing in Dublin Castle, he praised Ireland for becoming the first of Europe's debt-ridden countries to register moderate growth.

Four agreements - on trade links, investment and education - were signed during the official visit.

China has long followed Ireland's transformation from developing farming economy to a hub for international technology and drug company investment.

Katharine Jackson, Reuters.