Premier Wen has breaskfast with Japanese PM

Source: CCTV.com | 12-29-2007 16:46

Chinese Premier Wen Jaibao and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda attended a breakfast this morning at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

It was held in Fukuda's honor by the China-Japan Friendship Association and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Wen Jiabao says the prospects for friendship between China and Japan are bright.

Over 200 non-governmental representatives committed to friendly exchages between China and Japan were on hand for this morning's breakfast. Wen Jiabao thanked them for their contributions to bilateral ties. He said people-to-people exchanges are the foundation of the two countries' friendship.

Wen Jaibao said, "The real foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the heart of the two countries' people. The two countries should respect each other, understand and treat each other equally. Teenagers represent the future of the two countries' friendship. Teenagers' exchanges benefit both sides' long term interests."

Fukuda notes 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Peace and Friendship treaty. He says his father witnessed the birth of the historic document and he himself wishes to contribute more to bilateral ties. Fukuda says next year during cherry blossom season, Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Japan. He says it will usher in a new era of bilateral ties. The Japanese Prime Minister hopes 2008 will be remembered as a year of rapid development in bilateral ties.

Following the breakfast, the two heads of government picked up baseball gloves and a ball for a game of catch together.

Editor:Zhang Ning