Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Japanese counterpart Nobutaka Machimura met in central Japanese city Kyoto on the sidelines of the 7th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

During their meeting, Li said that Chinese President Hu Jintao pointed out the five-point policy for healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese relations while meeting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on April 23 in Jakarta. The policy is significant to set forth direction and principle for developing 21st century's friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Li noted that both side should fully implement the achievement of the leaders' meeting and create positive situation for improvement and development of bilateral ties.

Referring to the difficulties encountered in recent Sino-Japanese relations, Li pointed out that it is a must to take a correct view on the root reason of the difficulties and both sides should make joint efforts to follow up the three political documents in dealing with history and Taiwan issues.

Li said that it is crucial for the Japanese government to faithfully realize its promises on history and Taiwan issues and no longer hurt Chinese people's heart.

Machimura agreed with Li that the leaders' meeting in Jakarta is significant, saying that the Japanese government will take serious attitude on the five-point policy, which provides important direction to future development of bilateral relations.

He said that Japan will follow up the spirit of the policy to make joint efforts with China to push the development of Sino-Japanese relations.

The Japanese foreign minister said the three political documents between China and Japan are basic for better dealing with history and Taiwan issues, adding that the Japanese government will insist on one-China policy on the basis of the three-document principle.

Li and Machimura also agreed to strengthen exchanges in a wide range of sectors, promote understanding, and enhance dialogues between the two sides.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2005)