China and Japan agreed to enhance dialogues and maintain frequent exchanges of visits to promote mutual understanding, a joint press communique said in Tokyo on Wednesday.

 

In the communique, issued after talks between visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, the two sides agreed that frequent exchanges of visits between top leaders of the two countries should be maintained.

 

They also agreed to hold frequent talks on occasions of international meetings.

 

The two sides decided to launch a high-level economic dialogue mechanism between the two countries to be co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso.

 

According to the communique, the two sides also decided that the first meeting of the economic dialogue mechanism will be held in Beijing this year.

 

The communique said the foreign ministers of the two countries should maintain close cooperation on bilateral issues and regional and international issues of common concern.

 

The two sides will also strengthen bilateral dialogues on strategic and security issues and enhance consultations on their economic partnership, UN reforms, African issues.

 

The two sides reached agreement on reciprocal visits of naval vessels at an early date and on strengthening the liaison mechanism between the defense authorities of the two countries.

 

China and Japan agreed to fly international chartered passenger flights between Shanghai and Tokyo airports on a regular basis. The two sides also reached agreement on large-scale exchanges of visits by youths of the two countries.

 

The communique said the two countries should coordinate closely to ensure the success of the Year of Culture and Sports Exchange. They also agreed to open culture centers in each other's capital to promote cultural exchanges.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2007)