Hu Jintao told Junichiro Koizumi on that Chinese and Japanese leaders should seize the historical opportunity to develop long-term stable, good-neighborly and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

Hu said in his meeting with Koizumi that to develop Chinese-Japanese relations in the new century, the two sides must bear in mind the history and lessons and cherish its achievements, which did not come easily.

Both sides should adhere to the joint statements and the Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed by the two countries, Hu said.

While expanding areas of common interests, the two sides also need to properly address each other's concerns, said the Chinese president.

Chinese and Japanese leaders need to look at bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, Hu said.

Koizumi said Japan fully recognizes the importance of Japanese-Chinese relations and hopes to constantly develop the ties.

China's rapid growth does not pose a threat to Japan or the rest of Asia, but rather an opportunity. The two countries should strengthen cooperation and make joint contributions to the development and prosperity in Asia, the Japanese prime minister said.

The new leadership of China attaches great importance to Sino-Indian relations and would develop further cooperation with India, said Hu in a separate meeting with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Saturday.

China looks forward to strengthening cooperation with India in all fields and pushing the constructive partnership of cooperation to a new level, said Hu.

On the border issue, Hu said the two countries should proceed from the friendship between two countries and properly handle it, following the principles of consultations on equal footing, and mutual understanding and accommodation.

He invited Vajpayee to visit China.

Vajpayee said he was happy to see the healthy development of India-China relations in recent years. He pledged to join hands with the Chinese side to maintain and further thrust the momentum of the development of bilateral ties.

On the border issue, Vajpayee expressed the hope that a fair solution acceptable to both sides could be found through negotiations.

He said he was looking forward to visiting China.

Hu, Koizumi and Vajpayee were in St. Petersburg, Russia for celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of the city.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2003)