Japanese and Chinese legislators have agreed over two days of
talks held Thursday and Friday in Tokyo on regular exchange of
opinions on relations between the two countries.
At a time when Sino-Japanese relations are confronted with
difficulties, it is significant that the legislative bodies of the
two countries are conducting direct dialogue and communication to
enhance mutual understanding and respect and help improve ties, the
legislators agreed at the inaugural meeting of the Japan-China
Parliamentarian Exchange Committee.
During the meeting, Japanese chief delegate Jiro Kawasaki, a
House of Representatives member in charge of parliamentary
operation, and Chinese chief delegate Lu Yongxiang, vice chairman
of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC),
also confirmed their common hope of continuing strengthening
bilateral economic relations, promoting cooperation in energy and
environment protection and increasing exchanges in culture, sports
and youth activities.
The participants also shared the view that they should play a
part in reinforcing bilateral relations and mutual
understanding.
They noted that if both sides commit to addressing the mutual
concerns in a strategic perspective, the current rift would be
overcome and the ties move forward. To further develop the ties,
the two sides are supposed to sincerely review the history and face
up to challenges in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and
looking forward to the future.
The Japan-China Parliamentarian Exchange Committee is to meet
once a year in reciprocal visits based on an agreement last
September in Beijing between Japan's House of Representatives
Speaker Yohei Kono and Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Wu
Bangguo on the need to hold regular exchanges between
legislators of their countries.
Lu is heading a lawmaker delegation on an eight-day visit to
Japan for the parliamentary talks and other exchange activities.
The Japanese team is represented by 11 lower house members from
five parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the
main opposition Democratic Party of Japan.
(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2005)