Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukudaon Thursday expressed his willingness to visit China at an early date and to strengthen mutual trust with Chinese leaders.

The relationship between Japan and China is one of the most important bilateral ties for both countries, Fukuda said.

He said that Japan-China relations are developing soundly and progressing toward a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.

Japanese and Chinese leaders should conduct exchanges and talks as often as possible because it is very important for leaders of the two countries to deepen understanding and to reinforce mutual trust, Fukuda said during a joint interview with foreign journalists from four countries.

Fukuda said that he agreed with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during a telephone conversation in late September to make joint efforts for the development of bilateral ties.

Japan and China should work together in the future to address a variety of issues including trade and exchanges between the two peoples, and possibly expand cooperation on energy and environmental protection, Fukuda said.

On the East China Sea issue, Fukuda called for further wisdom from the two parties to seek a solution acceptable to both sides.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2007)