Top Legislator Meets Japanese Parliamentarians

Top Legislator Meets Japanese Parliamentarians

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The promoting of the existing friendly relations between China and Japan is an important issue facing the politicians of the two countries, and is the responsibility of the two sides as well.

Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, made the remarks Friday, December 8, in a meeting with a delegation for promotion of the Japan-China friendship led by Ishi Hajime, a member of the Japanese House of Representatives and vice head of the Democratic Party of Japan.

Li said that China and Japan should place hope on the youth of the two countries, and let them learn from history and value Sino-Japanese friendly relations forged by the politicians of the old generation so that the friendship between the two countries can be maintained.

He noted that Ishi Hajime has brought three Japanese members of parliament to visit China, and the visit is meaningful.

Li said that China and Japan are neighboring countries, and important countries in Asia and the world as whole. The development of Sino-Japanese relations is conducive to regional prosperity and stability, and will have positive impact on world peace and development, he added.

The current Sino-Japanese relationship is generally good, Li said, adding that the two countries have expanded both official and unofficial cooperation, including cooperation between parliaments and parties.

He said that Ishi Hajime's visit will promote contact between the NPC and the Diet of Japan, improve the cooperation between the Communist Party of China and the Democratic Party of Japan, and

expand mutual understanding between the Chinese and Japanese peoples.

Li called Ishi Hajime "China's old friend", and spoke highly of his contribution to promoting the normalization and development of Sino-Japanese relations.

Anyone who has made an effort to benefit Sino-Japanese relations will be remembered forever, he added.

Ishi Hajime said that he has been committed to the Japanese-Chinese friendship since he became a parliament member, and has visited China several times since the normalization of Japanese-Chinese diplomatic ties. He believes that Japanese-Chinese friendly relations are extremely important.