Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said that the Chinese government has always attached importance to Sino-Japanese relations, and will continue to follow its policy of good-neighborly friendship with Japan in keeping with such political documents as the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement.
Tang made the remarks Saturday in his telephone conversation with the new Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi at the latter's request.
Tang congratulated Kawaguchi on her new appointment and said he is ready to make concerted efforts with her to push forward the further development of bilateral relations.
He noted that this year is the 30th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic ties, and various groups from the two countries are making active preparations for commemorative activities.
At present, said Tang, Sino-Japanese cooperation in bilateral relations and other fields like regional peace and development are expanding, and the two sides should make positive efforts to continue this.
Kawaguchi totally agreed with Tang on his evaluation of bilateral relations, saying that Japan will keep to the principles and spirit of the three political documents drawn up by the two countries and will work towards broad bilateral cooperation in various fields based on a friendly and cooperative partnership characterized by joint efforts for peace and development.
She mentioned in particular that this year is the 30th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic ties, and the two countries are organizing a range of commemorative activities including the "Japanese cultural year" and the "Chinese cultural year".
She said she hoped that this opportunity will help strengthen further exchanges between the two peoples, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and increase consultations and cooperation in international and regional affairs.
Kawaguchi also said she is ready to visit China at the earliest possible date.
(China Daily February 10, 2002)
