Chinese state councilor meets Japanese parliamentary leaders

TOKYO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met Thursday respectively with Japan's House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and Satsuki Eda, president of Japan's House of Councilors.

Tang said the upcoming visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to Japan scheduled in spring will be an important opportunity for further developing the bilateral ties. The Chinese side is willing to make efforts with all circles in Japan, including the Japanese parliament, to implement agreements reached by leaders from the two countries and to push for further development of the Sino-Japanese mutual beneficial ties based on common strategic interests.

Tang appreciated Kono and Eda for their continued commitment to the Sino-Japanese friendship.

The state councilor highly praised the establishment of a committee supporting the Beijing Olympics within the Japanese parliament, and invited Japanese people to watch Olympic games in Beijing.

Kono said the Japanese parliament is happy to see the improvement of the relationship between Japan and China and will continue to dedicate to the bilateral friendship.

Eda said Japan should work with China to develop their friendship relations, properly deal with historic issues and strengthen cooperation of mutual benefit.