Headed by Takako Doi, member of the House of Representatives of Japan and leader of the Japanese Social Democratic Party, the Japanese women are attending a three-day celebration to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese ties.

Extending his congratulations to the celebrants, Hu said gatherings such as this enable women from China and Japan to exchange views and thus deepen the understanding between them, as well as to improve the relations between the two countries in general.

He also spoke highly of the role of women and women's organizations from both countries in promoting non-governmental exchanges and furthering the ties between the two nations.

He said he hoped that women from both countries would continue to fully play their unique roles, and urged the Japanese guests to train up a new generation who will further the cause of China-Japan friendship.

Takako Doi said all Japanese women love peace and hope to join hands with Chinese women to make more contributions to the peace in the Pacific region and the world at large.

The Japanese guests, totaling over 400, are representatives from all walks of Japan, including congress members, leaders of women's organizations and scholars of the women's issues.

(People's Daily September 10, 2002)