Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with visiting Foreign
Minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday to discuss bilateral ties
and the planned visit by Premier Wen Jiabao.
Li conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to Abe and expressed
his appreciation for Abe's efforts toward mending ties with China,
according to diplomatic sources.
A stable Chinese-Japanese relationship not only benefits the two
countries, but also Asia and the world, and is therefore broadly
welcomed by the international community, Li said.
Li explained that the purpose of his tour is to pave the way for
Wen's upcoming visit in April, adding that the premier's visit will
provide an important opportunity for the two countries to enhance
mutual trust, to maintain the momentum for improvement and
development of bilateral ties, and to build a strategic and
mutually beneficial relationship.
Noting that China attaches great importance to its relationship
with Japan, Li said the two governments and their politicians
should view the ties from a strategic and long-term perspective,
working toward the goal of "peaceful coexistence, friendship for
generations, cooperation for mutual benefit and joint
development."
Abe said he is looking forward to Wen's visit, adding that both
himself and the Japanese people warmly welcome the premier.
"I am ready to exchange ideas in depth with Premier Wen on
further promoting cooperation with China, on establishing
strategic, mutually beneficial relations, as well as on enhancing
coordination in regional and international issues," Abe said.
As this year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of
Japan-China diplomatic relations, Japan will, together with China,
make new efforts for the stable development of the bilateral
relations, Abe added.
Aso Says to Properly Handle Historical Issues with
China
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(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2007)
