Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed in Beijing Sunday that China and Japan should always adhere to the principles of the Sino-Japanese peace and friendship treaty.

The premier made the remark during a meeting with visiting Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and his entourage.

Yasuo Fukuda came to Beijing to attend activities marking the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese treaty of peace and friendship.

Speaking highly of the contribution made by late Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda to the signing of the treaty and to the bilateral relations, Wen said China and Japan should carry forward the belief and foresight of the older generation of statesmen from both countries and always adhere to the principles and spirit of the treaty so as to promote the Sino-Japanese relations in the new century.

Wen said that it is in the fundamental interests of both sides to promote political trust, economic cooperation and friendship between the peoples of China and Japan, two neighboring countries separated by a strip of water.

The two sides should draw lessons from history and gear to the future, view the bilateral relations in a strategic perspective, properly handle relevant issues, particularly the historical issues and the Taiwan issue, expand cooperation for mutual benefit, and promote the healthy development of bilateral ties, Wen said.

Fukuda conveyed the greetings of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Premier Wen.

Fukuda said it was significant to visit China on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese treaty of peace and friendship.

He noted that the two sides reviewed the treaty and its significance to the bilateral relations. Both sides reaffirmed their political will to push forward the bilateral ties in the new century by treating historical issues seriously and adhering to the principles of the peace and friendship treaty, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2003)