Top legislator Wu Bangguo met in Beijing Tuesday with Yohei
Kono, chairman of Japan's Association for the Promotion of
International Trade (APIT), and called for greater friendship and
understanding between the two peoples.
This year is the 35th anniversary of the resumption of bilateral
diplomatic relations and the exchange year of culture and
sports.
Wu expressed the hope the two sides could handle bilateral
relations with a long-term and strategic perspective, promote
mutual understanding between the two peoples to consolidate the
social foundation for the development of China-Japan
friendship.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC), praised the APIT's contribution to economic and
trade ties, saying the sound and healthy development of relations
served the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and
was conducive to regional peace and stability.
"It is important for the two countries to develop ties sticking
to the three key political documents between China and Japan,
including the China-Japan Joint Communiqué," Wu said.
He urged Japan to properly handle sensitive historical issues
and the Taiwan issue.
Wu said the regular exchange mechanism between the NPC and
Japan's House of Representatives had "played a very constructive
role" in exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments.
Kono, also the Japanese House of Representatives Speaker, said
relations were in a "vital stage of development."
He said the number of Japanese people with the sincere hope that
the two countries maintain long-term, stable and friendly
cooperation "kept increasing" due to the joint efforts of the two
governments, parliaments and non-governmental groups.
As one of the major Japanese non-governmental groups committed
to boost friendship with China, the APIT would continue its efforts
to cement the friendship and exchanges.
Kono is visiting China at the invitation of the China Council
for the Promotion of International Trade. He will also travel to
the southwestern Sichuan Province.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2007)
