Over 460 Japanese women attended the China-Japan Women's Conference. They included Takako Doi, member of the House of Representatives of Japan and leader of the Japanese Social Democratic Party; Miki Mutsuko, widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Miki Takeo and President of the Asian Women's Friendship Association; and Tenkoko Sonoda, widow of former Foreign Minister Nao Sonoda and President of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Liaison Association.

Peng Peiyun, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and President of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), told the conference that the communication and cooperation between women of the two countries had greatly expanded in recent years, and the two sides confronted issues of shared concern in the process of pursuing equality, development and peace.

Takako Doi spoke highly of the contribution of women in pushing forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade and culture.

She voiced her hope that both Japanese and Chinese women would endeavor to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world.

The declaration of friendship held that in the 21st century both sides would adhere to the principles and spirit of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration, so that friendly ties could progress.

The declaration also called on women of the two countries to make efforts to maintain regional and world peace, and try to create a stable international environment.

The China-Japan Women's Conference was part of the three-day celebrations in Beijing organized by the ACWF to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese ties.

(People's Daily September 10, 2002)