The Japanese and Chinese legislature leaders agreed in Tokyo Thursday on the importance of bilateral relationship and hoped to make headway in this regard. 

At a time when the relationship was confronted with difficulties, it was significant for the legislative bodies to conduct direct dialogue and communication to enhance mutual understanding and respect and help improve ties, House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono said in talks with Lu Yongxiang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Kono said he hoped that the visit would be fruitful through constructive dialogues.

Lu said the Chinese government and people regard Japan as a crucial neighbor and attach great importance to the bilateral friendly relationship.

If both sides commit to addressing the mutual concerns in a strategic perspective, the current rift would be overcome and the ties move forward, Lu said.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China's victory over the Japanese militarist aggression. To further develop the ties, the two sides were supposed to sincerely review the history and face up to challenges in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future, Lu noted.

Lu is heading a lawmaker delegation on an eight-day visit to initiate an exchange mechanism between the legislation bodies.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2005)