Foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties

cctv.com 04-18-2005 09:12

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has greeted Japanese Foreign Minister Machimura Nobutaka for two days of talks. The two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations. Li Zhaoxing urged Japan to face up to history and cease activities that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing a friendly and cooperative relationship with Japan.

This was what Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said as he greeted his Japanese counterpart on Sunday.

Li Zhaoxing said the Chinese government hopes China and Japan can coexist peacefully, maintain friendship for generation after generation, cooperate for their mutual benefit and seek common development.

However, the Chinese Foreign Minister also urged Japan to face up to its history of wartime aggression, fulfill its promises, and to properly handle related issues.

Li added the issue of Taiwan is still gravely interfering in bilateral ties between China and Japan.

And, he urged Japan to cease activities that undermine China’s sovereignty. The Chinese Foreign minister also urged the Japanese government to take effective measures to protect Chinese citizens and organizations in Japan.

The Japanese foreign minister expressed his government’s sorrow and apology for the catastrophe brought to the Chinese people by Japan's invasion.

He said his government will sincerely review history and face up to the challenges in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and looking forward into the future.

Machimura also reiterated his government’s commitment to its One China policy.

Both sides agreed to constantly deepen cooperation, expand common interests, and work jointly to promote peace and development in the region and the world at large.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com