NPC chairman visits Japan
( 2003-09-05 09:17) (China Daily)
Politicians in China and Japan should set long term goals in Sino-Japanese ties, enhance the sense of mutual historical mission and be an example to others in steering towards peaceful, friendly and co-operative trends.
That was the message delivered yesterday by Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), at a reception hosted by Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Tamisuke Watanuki and House of Councillors President Hiroyuki Kurata.
Wu arrived in Tokyo yesterday afternoon, kicking off a week-long good-will visit.
He said the long and steady development of Sino-Japanese relations benefits the two peoples and is conducive to peace in Asia and the world. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan.
The exchanges and co-operation between NPC and Japan's houses of representatives and councillors will continue growing and will play an important role in promoting the mutual understanding of the two peoples and friendly relations between the two nations, Wu said.
Today, Wu is expected to meet Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. He will also have talks with the two parliamentary leaders and meet the leaders of Japan's major political parties.
In a speech delivered at the airport, Wu expressed his sincere greetings and goodwill to the Japanese people.
In line with increasing understanding and trust and deepening co-operation for common development, Wu said he would like to review, together with the Japanese side, the spirit of the treaty and the course of bilateral relations.
Japan is the last leg of Wu's three-nation tour, which has already taken him to the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. In Manila, the Philippines, he also attended the fourth General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace.
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