Fukuda visits primary school in Beijing

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-30-2007 10:41

During a visit to a primary school in northeastern Beijing, Yasuo Fukuda said he hopes friendship will develop between the two countries' young people. The Japanese prime minister also said he's confident the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be one of the most successful Games ever.

Japanese PM and wife visit a primary school in Beijing.

Yasuo Fukuda and his wife received a warm welcome from students of Huajiadi Primary School, a sister school of Japan.

Fukuda noted that the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be held 20 years after Asia last held the Games. He exchanged gifts with the pupils, and expressed his best wishes for a successful Olympiad.

Many of the students here have regular contact with their Japanese friends.

One student said "Japanese students are very friendly. It's easy to make friends with them."

The students sang Chinese and Japanese folk songs, and Fukuda demonstrated his calligraphy skills writing "Friendship between China and Japan for Generations".

Fukuda demonstrated his calligraphy skills.

Fukuda said young people are the future of the two countries, and their friendship represents the future of ties between China and Japan.

"These boys and girls are so friendly and welcoming. It is our job to promote exchanges between the two countries." He added.

Fukuda will next tour an economic development zone in Tianjin, home to many Japanese-backed companies. After that, he will visit the hometown of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong Province, before wrapping up his four-day China tour on Sunday.

The Japanese Prime Minister hopes to boost ties through his visit to China. To help promote better understanding, 2008 has been named the year of youth exchanges between China and Japan.

Editor:Du Xiaodan