Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso exchanged congratulatory messages Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship

In his message, Wen said the signing of the treaty is a major event in the history of China-Japan relations.

The treaty sums up the history of bilateral ties, affirms in legal form the principles of the China-Japan Joint Statement, makes it clear that the two countries shall develop durable relations of peace and friendship, and lays a solid political and legal foundation for the sound and stable development of bilateralties, Premier Wen said.

With joint efforts and under the guidance of the treaty, the China-Japan relations have made considerable progress in the past 30 years, bringing enormous interests to the two peoples and making important contribution to the peace, stability and development of Asia and the world, Wen said.

Noting that the bilateral ties are facing key opportunities for further development, the Chinese Premier said China is willing to join hands with Japan to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, expand friendly exchange and push the current bilateral ties forward.

In his message, Aso said political, economic and cultural contact between the two countries have been developing by leaps and bounds since the signing of the treaty 30 years ago.

The two sides have designated 2008 as the China-Japan Youth Friendly Exchange Year, which has deepened mutual understanding and trust between the youth, he added.

Aso also expressed his hope that both sides should join efforts to continue to comprehensively promote bilateral ties to contribute to an open, robust Asia and world.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Japanese counterpart Hirofumi Nakasone also exchanged congratulations on the occasion.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2008)