Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukudaon Thursday expressed his
willingness to visit China at an early date and to strengthen
mutual trust with Chinese leaders.
The relationship between Japan and China is one of the most
important bilateral ties for both countries, Fukuda said.
He said that Japan-China relations are developing soundly and
progressing toward a mutually beneficial relationship based on
common strategic interests.
Japanese and Chinese leaders should conduct exchanges and talks
as often as possible because it is very important for leaders of
the two countries to deepen understanding and to reinforce mutual
trust, Fukuda said during a joint interview with foreign
journalists from four countries.
Fukuda said that he agreed with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao
during a telephone conversation in late September to make joint
efforts for the development of bilateral ties.
Japan and China should work together in the future to address a
variety of issues including trade and exchanges between the two
peoples, and possibly expand cooperation on energy and
environmental protection, Fukuda said.
On the East China Sea issue, Fukuda called for further wisdom
from the two parties to seek a solution acceptable to both
sides.
(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2007)