The first session of the new 21st Century Committee for Japan-China Friendship was held in Dalian from December 5 to 6.

Members of the two sides held that Sino-Japanese friendship and cooperation in the 21st century is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and is conducive to peace and development of Asia and the world.

The two sides believed that Sino-Japanese relations are facing rare opportunities for development. So long as the two sides shoulder their responsibilities for peace and development and persist in the general direction of expanding bilateral relations, China and Japan can be mutually-trusted and mutually-beneficial partners.

The two sides stressed that China and Japan should treat bilateral relations with long-term and strategic visions, overcome drawbacks in the development of bilateral relations, and especially, properly handle historical problems and the Taiwan issue.

They also expressed the hope that the committee members of both countries should live up to their historical missions by offering advice and suggestions on healthy and stable development of the bilateral relations in the new century.

The two sides agreed to hold the second session of the new 21st Century Committee for Japan-China Friendship in Japan next year.

The new 21st Century Committee for Japan-China Friendship was inaugurated in July this year and consists of people from the Chinese and Japanese political, economic, academic and press circles.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2003)