In a message to Koizumi, Zhu said: "On the occasion of the 30thanniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations, I, on behalf the Chinese government and people, wish to send warm congratulations to you and through you to the Japanese government and people."

Thanks to the common efforts by the Chinese and Japanese governments and peoples, the two countries had made noticeable progress in bilateral ties since their diplomatic normalization 30 years ago, Zhu said. The growth of Sino-Japanese relations had not only benefited both countries but also contributed much to regional and global peace, stability and development.

Facing the 21st century, China and Japan, as close neighbors, had a promising future in developing long-term, stable, good-neighborly relations with each other, Zhu said.

Zhu also expressed his hope that the two sides will take advantage of the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic normalization to push for further development of bilateral relations, in the spirit of "viewing history as a mirror and looking forward to the future" and under the guidance of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and two other political documents.

In a message to Zhu, Koizumi said that over the past 30 years, the two countries have seen frequent exchanges in the political, economic and cultural areas.

Mutual trust and understanding, especially among the young generations, have been enhanced through a series of cultural activities organized in both countries so far this year, Koizumi said.

Sino-Japanese relations will be further strengthened through the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic normalization, he added.

Koizumi concluded that China and Japan shared common responsibility in maintaining regional and even global peace and prosperity, and he was willing to continue his efforts to promote further cooperation between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2002)