Chinese President Jiang Zemin made the remarks in his meeting with Takako Doi, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Japan and a SDP delegation.

The Communist Party of China, the Chinese government and Jiang himself highly regard the growth of Sino-Japanese relations, he said.

"The two sides should, drawing lessons from history and looking forward to the future, expand their ties in the new century," he said.

Politically, the two sides are urged to "enhance mutual trust and build up solid and trustworthy relations," he said.

Economically, Jiang suggested the two countries explore new ways for furthering economic cooperation.

He also called on the two countries to increase both official and non-governmental personal exchanges, in particular exchanges among young political figures.

"The two countries and peoples should proceed from the fundamental interests of the two sides and make concerted efforts to lay well-grounded political, economic, social and people-to-people foundations" for their frienship, according to Jiang.

Jiang also spoke highly of Doi's visit, the first one by a Japanese political party in the new century.

As one of the Japanese political parties with the longest communication history on wide-range exchanges with New China, Jiang said, SDP has adhered to "a correct stance" on "key and principle" issues related to bilateral relations and made an important contribution to the healthy and stable growth of bilateral ties in different phases after World War II.

After praising the efforts made by Doi and other old political figures, Jiang hoped young Japanese statesmen have the same spirit for pushing forward Sino-Japanese relations along a track conducive to the two peoples and regional peace and prosperity.

Takako Doi said that she and SDP are pleased to visit China as the first Japanese party delegation in the new century, adding that the 21st century is an important historical era for the Chinese and Japanese people, as well as for humankind as a whole.

She noted that her delegation includes many young parliament members, demonstrating that the SDP has attached importance to the future of Japanese-Chinese relations.

Doi expressed admiration for the rapid economic growth and stable domestic situation in China since the launch of reform and opening-up drive, saying that it benefits Chinese people, and is conducive to sustained development of the relations between Japan and China, as well as regional peace and stability.

Japan hopes that China will maintain stability and economic development, she said, adding that the SDP wishes the CPC to make more progress in the new century, and for the good-neighborly relations between Japan and China to expand.

(People' Daily 01/09/2001)