Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday exchanged congratulatory messages with his Japanese counterpart Yasuo Fukuda to mark the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations.

In the message, Wen said that politicians of older generation made a historic decision to normalize diplomatic relations 35 years ago, turning a new chapter of the Sino-Japanese ties.

With the joint efforts of the governments and personalities of various circles of both countries, China and Japan have witnessed great progress in the development of bilateral ties in the past 35years, which has greatly benefited both peoples, said Wen.

In the new phase of comprehensive construction of strategically reciprocal relations, China and Japan are faced with an important opportunity to further develop their ties, he added.

Wen said he sincerely hopes that both sides would take this opportunity and make greater efforts to promote the sound, stable and long-term development of bilateral relations.

In his message, Prime Minister Fukuda said that he is pleased to see the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries are advancing rapidly in various areas.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties, Japan is determined to strengthen cooperation with China and make constructive contribution to the forging of "strategically reciprocal relations" and to the peace, stability and development of Asia as well as the world at large, Fukuda said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2007)