Japanese Emperor Meets with Chinese Premier

Japanese Emperor Meets With Chinese Premier

Japanese Emperor Akihito met with Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji at the Imperial Palace Monday and they had a cordial and friendly conversation.

During the meeting, Zhu conveyed greetings from Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his wife to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

The successful visits to China by Emperor Akihito in 1992 and to Japan by Chinese President Jiang Zemin in 1998 are of great significance to the long-term development of Sino-Japanese relations, Zhu said.

Japan has walked along a peaceful road of development since the end of World War II and has made remarkable achievements in various fields, Zhu said, adding that China, the largest developing country in the world, has also seen big changes since its opening up to the outside world.

China and Japan, two neighboring countries, should join hands and continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, he said.

Emperor Akihito asked Zhu to convey his greetings to Chinese President Jiang and his wife.

Japan and China has had exchanges since ancient times, Akihito said, adding that in Japan's ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, there are many historic sites which were greatly influenced by Chinese culture.

The Emperor also recalled his trip to Xi'an in 1992, saying the Chinese ancient capital left him with a deep impression. He expressed his belief that Zhu's visit would further deepen mutual understanding between the two countries and the two peoples.