Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao spoke by phone on Friday with newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, exchanging views on bilateral ties.

Wen said China attaches great importance to its ties with Japan and abides by the policy of friendship between the two countries, and is devoted to the development of long and stable bilateral relationship based on good neighborly-cooperation.

China is ready to work with the Japanese side to push bilateral ties forward, Wen said.

Wen welcomed the visit by Fukuda at an early date.

Fukuda, who was declared prime minister on Tuesday, said he was pleased to have had the conversation with Wen shortly after he took office, adding that Japanese-Chinese ties are among Japan's most important diplomatic relations.

Japan is ready to establish closer cooperation with China in order to contribute to regional peace, stability and development, Fukuda said.

The new prime minister expressed his will to visit Beijing as soon as possible to exchange views with Chinese leaders on further development of bilateral ties.

The two also exchanged views on regional and world affairs of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2007)