Zeng Qinghong, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the committee's Secretariat, made this remark at a meeting with a Japanese delegation headed by former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.

The Japanese visitors are here to attend activities marking the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic ties.

Zeng said that this year, falling on the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic ties, represents an important juncture in the history to learn from the past and forge ahead into the future for the two countries' relationship.

With joint efforts, the people-to-people exchanges have been flourishing, said Zeng, adding that friendship is the main dimension of the Sino-Japanese ties, which caters to the basic interests of the two countries and two peoples, but also benefits peace, stability and development in Asia and the world at large.

Looking back on the past, Zeng said that the two countries should see the mainstream of friendship and cooperation, and draw lessons from the history as well.

Referring to the future, Zeng said both sides should solve the existing problems from the historic and strategic heights, so as to further the mutual understanding and trust, and expand cooperation and common interests.

Ryutaro Hashimoto said that some 13,800 Japanese tourists came to attend the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic ties, showing Japanese people's friendliness to Chinese people.

Japan's three ruling parties are determined to follow and develop the friendly tradition between the two countries and contribute further to bilateral relations, Ryutaro Hashimoto added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2002)