Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said on Thursday that the
relationship between Japan and China will not relapse into the
difficulties it used to suffer.
Fukuda made the remarks when meeting with 12 representatives of
Japan-based Chinese scholars at his official residence right before
leaving for his four-day visit to China.
"I am looking forward to meeting with Chinese leaders and expect
the visit to be successful," Fukuda said.
The premier listened carefully and took notes when the group of
Chinese scholars, all of whom are members of the Chinese Scholars
Association in Japan, were giving their advice on subjects such as
expansion of governmental and civil exchanges, acceleration of free
trade region process, and cooperation on educational and cultural
affairs.
Fukuda accepted a paper of suggestions by the scholars on
further development of the Japan-China mutually beneficial
relationship based on common political interests.
This is the first meeting between a Japanese premier and the
Chinese Scholars Association, which was established in Jan. 2003 in
Tokyo.
(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2007)
