Li, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, is now on an official goodwill visit to Japan.

Emperor Akihito expressed his thanks and asked Li to forward his best regards to President Jiang.

Li's visit, which comes at the time of the 30th anniversary of normalization of the diplomatic relations between China and Japan, will further enhance the friendship between the two peoples, Emperor Akihito said.

Emperor Akihito said that he has always put an eye on China's economic construction. He is very interested in the development of China's western region, the Three Georges Project and the gigantic water transmission project from South to North, as well as China's environment protection.

Emperor Akihito wished that the friendship between the peoples.

Li said that bilateral relations between the two countries have witnessed all-round and in-depth development in all fields through joint efforts made by both sides during the past three decades.

The healthy and steady development of bilateral relationship conforms to the fundamental interests of both Chinese and Japanese people, he added.

Li briefed the Emperor all these projects as well as the reforms and modernization drive in China.

Li hoped that the friendly cooperation between China and Japan could advance further through his visit and other activities marking the 30 the anniversary.

(People's Daily April 3, 2002)