Chinese top advisor Jia Qinglin Sunday met with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, proposing that the two countries should seize key opportunities to step up the development of bilateral relations.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the two sides should strengthen political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and expand common interests.

He highlighted the "vital importance" of properly handling the history and Taiwan issue for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

Agreeing with Jia's view on bilateral relations, Yoshiro Mori said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a successful visit to Japan in April and that the two sides should use the chance and open a new stage for bilateral ties.

The former Japanese Prime Minister called for the two countries to further their cooperation in various fields and make contributions to the peace and stability in Asia and the world at large.

Yoshiro Mori's China visit was at the invitation of Chinese Ministry of Health.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2007)