Top legislator Wu Bangguo met in Beijing Tuesday with Yohei Kono, chairman of Japan's Association for the Promotion of International Trade (APIT), and called for greater friendship and understanding between the two peoples.

 

This year is the 35th anniversary of the resumption of bilateral diplomatic relations and the exchange year of culture and sports.

 

Wu expressed the hope the two sides could handle bilateral relations with a long-term and strategic perspective, promote mutual understanding between the two peoples to consolidate the social foundation for the development of China-Japan friendship.

 

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), praised the APIT's contribution to economic and trade ties, saying the sound and healthy development of relations served the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and was conducive to regional peace and stability.

 

"It is important for the two countries to develop ties sticking to the three key political documents between China and Japan, including the China-Japan Joint Communiqué," Wu said.

 

He urged Japan to properly handle sensitive historical issues and the Taiwan issue.

 

Wu said the regular exchange mechanism between the NPC and Japan's House of Representatives had "played a very constructive role" in exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments.

 

Kono, also the Japanese House of Representatives Speaker, said relations were in a "vital stage of development."

 

He said the number of Japanese people with the sincere hope that the two countries maintain long-term, stable and friendly cooperation "kept increasing" due to the joint efforts of the two governments, parliaments and non-governmental groups.

 

As one of the major Japanese non-governmental groups committed to boost friendship with China, the APIT would continue its efforts to cement the friendship and exchanges.

 

Kono is visiting China at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He will also travel to the southwestern Sichuan Province.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2007)