Zhu greeted Tomiichi by describing him as an old friend of the Chinese people and spoke highly of his contribution to bilateral ties.

Zhu said Tomiichi is the first Japanese prime minister to openly admit Japanese aggression and to apologize to the victims of the countries concerned, adding that China highly appreciates this.

The premier believes that the overall bilateral relations remain relatively sound, and both sides decided to further stimulate friendship by drawing on the history and facing up to the future during President Jiang Zemin's visit to Japan in 1998. However, he pointed out, attention should be paid to problems in the process of developing bilateral ties.

Therefore, he stressed, both countries should deepen mutual understanding and trust so as to fend off troubles caused by certain specific issues.

Zhu said that friendship between China and Japan is the overall consideration, and both countries should draw on history and educate the younger generation about history so as to carry on the friendship from generation to generation.

Tomiichi said the declaration he made on Japan's history of aggression when he was in the office of prime minister is something that should be done by the Japanese side. Bilateral relations, important not only to people of both countries but also to the peace and development of the whole region, have witnessed sound development since 1972.

President Jiang Zemin's visit in 1998 has greatly pushed forward bilateral ties, he said, expressing the hope Premier Zhu's upcoming visit to Japan would become a good opportunity for the further advancement of Sino-Japanese friendship.

Tomiichi said the historical issue in Japan-China relations should be emphasized, stressing that without reflecting on the past, one can not get a clear view of the present and the future.

Citing a Chinese saying "past experience, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future", Tomiichi said Japan should stress educating the younger generation about past history in a bid to deepen mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples.

Tomiichi is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

(Xinhua)