Visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held a series of meetings on
Thursday with Japan's Speaker of the House of Representatives Yohei
Kono, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and New Komeito
President Akihiro Ota in Tokyo.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (L1) shakes hands with
Japan's House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (R1) in Tokyo
February 15, 2007.
During the meetings, Li hailed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's
successful visit to China last year, stating that the series of
important agreements reached between leaders of the two countries
had increased cooperation and exchanges between China and
Japan.
Li addressed bilateral ties, applauding the positive direction
they had taken of late and the new development opportunities that
will soon be met.
This year is the 35th anniversary of the normalization of
China-Japan diplomatic relations and Premier Wen Jiabao is set to
pay official visit to Japan in April, Li noted, adding that China
will work with Japan to make sure the upcoming visit is
successful.
During his meetings, Li said that this year further marks the
70th anniversary of the Lugouqiao (Marco Polo Bridge) Incident. He
availed himself of this platform to state that sensitive issues
dealing with history or China's Taiwan should be treated
appropriately thus maintain the positive political basis for
Japan-China relations.
Kono, Shiozaki and Ota agreed with Li's views on bilateral
relations. They all welcomed Premier Wen's visit and will also work
to ensure the success of the visit. The Japanese government will
abide by the joint communiqué in its handling of issues related
with history or Taiwan, they said.
The two sides further discussed the East China Sea issue,
environment and energy cooperation, youth exchange, international
issues and other matters of mutual concern.
Li arrived in Tokyo Thursday morning to start his visit,
following an invitation by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso.
(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2007)
