Japanese Prime Minister looks to boost ties through China visit

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-28-2007 08:45

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has arrived in Beijing for a four-day visit. He said he hopes his trip will deepen friendship and promote mutual understanding.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (C) is welcomed by Chinese officials at an airport in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 27, 2007. Yasuo Fukuda arrived here on Thursday for a four-day official visit to China. (Xinhua Photo)

Fukuda was greeted by Chinese and Japanese officials.

During his four-day stay in China, Fukuda will hold separate meetings with President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo, and Premier Wen Jiabao.

He is also slated to make a speech at Peking University and visit Tianjin and east China's Shandong Province.

Ahead of his visit, Fukuda said he is encouraged by the recent development of bilateral ties.

Fukuda said, "There was, indeed, a winter period in Japan's relationship with China. But now, ties with China have improved, and I hope they will get even better, creating a relationship of mutual trust and cooperation."

China's Foreign Ministry says the leaders of China and Japan will also discuss the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Qin Gang, spokesman Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "Both China and Japan are concerned with the six-party talks. The two sides have kept close communications and cooperation throughout the denuclearization process. We hope this kind of cooperation will continue."

High-level visits between the two countries halted for some five years due to former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine. Fukuda has promised not to visit the shrine during his time in office.