China and Japan on Thursday expressed the hope that bilateral
ties should move headway as they staged grand activities marking
the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties.
"Chinese and Japanese politicians made strategic decision to
normalize diplomatic relations 35 years ago, turning a new chapter
of the Sino-Japanese ties," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao spoke to
visiting Japanese guests including former Japanese prime ministers
Mori Yoshiro and Tomiichi Murayama.
China-Japan relation is facing good momentum of development and
opportunities, and the Chinese government will continue its
friendly policy towards Japan to develop friendly neighbouring
relations of cooperation, Wen said.
At the grand reception with 600-odd attendance, Chinese State
Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said the China-Japan ties have witnessed ups
and downs during the past 35 years, and now back to normal track
for development due to joint efforts by both governments and
peoples.
"Chinese and Japanese leaders kept frequent contacts and
communication in the past year, reaching important consensus on the
target of peaceful co-existence, long-lasting friendship, mutual
cooperation and common development, which should be cherished by
both nations," Tang said.
"China and Japan are facing bright future and shoulder
responsibilities in developing bilateral ties," Tang said.
China would like to work with Japan to continuously push forward
bilateral relations for long-term and stable growth based on the
three political documents and keeping in mind the spirit of "taking
history as a mirror and looking to the future", Tang said.
Echoing Chinese leaders' remarks, Mori Yoshiro and Tomiichi
Murayama said Japan-China relations enjoy great improvement and
development in the past year through joint efforts of both sides,
and the two countries witness sound cooperation in fields of
economy, culture, sports and youth exchanges.
They suggested both countries take the opportunity of the 35th
anniversary to step up strategic mutual-beneficial ties, keep
high-level exchanges, and facilitate cooperation in the key areas
such as environmental protection and energy saving.
The Japanese guests also called for promoting youth exchanges
and cooperation between localities, in a bid to cement mutual
understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2007)
