Chinese leader Hu Jintao said Sunday he wants to meet old friends and make new ones during his upcoming visit to Japan, the first by a Chinese president in 10 years.
Hu is scheduled to make a four-day trip starting Tuesday in the latest sign of warming relations between the neighbors.
He said he hoped his visit would have the atmosphere of a "warm spring," the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
"I'm looking forward to meeting with my old Japanese friends and making more new friends during the upcoming visit," Xinhua quoted Hu as telling Japanese journalists.
Chinese officials have already said Hu's trip is aimed at enhancing mutual trust.
The countries have improved ties recently after they plunged as a result of former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated visits to a controversial Tokyo war shrine, as well as disputes over issues including the use of gas deposits in the East China Sea.
Talks on the gas deposits have not appeared to bring the sides any closer to a resolution.
But Hu said Sunday he believes the gas dispute can still be resolved, although he gave no timeframe or details.
"I believe, with joint efforts, we can definitely find a solution accepted by both sides and the issue can undoubtedly be resolved properly," he was quoted as saying.
In addition to meeting Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Hu said he will "exchange in-depth views" with Japanese Emperor Akihito.
He added that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
"The results have brought about substantial benefits to the two peoples and made important contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world," Hu was quoted as saying.
No comments:
Post a Comment