Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday met with Japanese
House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and House of Councilors
President Chikage Ogi to discuss friendly ties between the two
countries.
In his talks with the Speaker, Wen expressed appreciation for
Kono's active role in promoting friendship and bilateral ties.
"China-Japan relations are now at a crucial moment. We should
take the opportunities, overcome difficulties and make common
efforts to ensure long-term, healthy and stable development of
bilateral ties," Wen said.
The Chinese premier hoped the legislatures of both counties will
enhance exchanges, especially between the young politicians, to
make fresh contributions to building friendship and cooperation
between the two peoples.
Kono said the three political documents are the basis for
bilateral ties. The Japanese parliament is glad to see resumption
of high-level visits between the two countries and reiterated
commitment to the three political documents, he added.
Politicians from both countries shoulder the responsibility for
the interests of their peoples, Kono said, hoping the two sides
will strengthen diplomatic dialogue and boost cooperation.
He pointed out that Japan's House of Representatives has
established a regular exchange mechanism with China's legislature,
the National People's Congress, and hoped China-Japan cooperation
will not only promote bilateral ties, but peace, security and
development of Northeast Asia and the world.
In his meeting with Ogi, Wen said this year brings both
opportunities and challenges to China-Japan relations.
It is crucial for the development of bilateral ties that the two
sides abide by the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and the other two
political documents, properly handle the issues related to history
and China's Taiwan, the Chinese premier said.
Wen said the two sides should maintain the hard-earned progress
that has been made in bilateral ties.
Exchanges between the legislatures play an important part in
China-Japan relations, Wen added.
"We are grateful that Japanese parliamentarians have formed a
support group for the Beijing Olympic Games," he told Ogi.
Wen hoped that the House of Councilors would continue their
efforts to boost friendship between the two countries.
Ogi said she has been hoping that Japan-China relations can take
a turn for the better from the so-called "cool politics, warm
economics" pattern.
Premier Wen's visit is timely, she said, and hoped the trip will
add momentum to bilateral ties.
She noted that China is Japan's largest trading partner and that
China's economic development has created opportunities for
Japan.
Japan's House of Councilors hopes to enhance exchanges with
China's legislature and promote cooperation in political, economic
and other areas, Ogi said.
She wished the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing a success, saying
the event will be another important opportunity for boosting
friendly exchanges between the two peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2007)
