Premier Zhu Rongji Met with Japanese Prime Minister (12/04/2002)
2004-04-08 15:54

On April 12, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who came to attend the first annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), at Boao, Hainan Province.

Zhu expressed his appreciation for Koizumi's attendance, which showed the positive attitude of Japan's towards the BFA and regional cooperation in Asia. He expressed his hope that China and Japan could strengthen communication and cooperation to develop the BFA.

Zhu said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic ties. Sino-Japanese relations have witnessed great progress in the past 30 years, and would play a more important role and exert greater influence in Asia and the world at large in the 21st century. Political leaders on both sides should guide Sino-Japanese ties in the right direction and work for a rejuvenated and prosperous Asia.

Koizumi extended his congratulations on the success of the annual conference of BFA and his agreement with Premier Zhu's views on bilateral relations. He said that he has come to see China's important role in the regional economic development of Asia through several visits to China, and fully recognizeds the importance of friendly Sino-Japanese relations. China's economic development poses no threat to Japan. He expressed his view for the first time in public through BFA. He said that the development of China and Japan's other neighboring countries is good for Japan, and means  the opportunity of competition for Japan. He expressed his firm belief that Japan-China friendly relations are conducive to the people of the two countries and the Asia region.

Koizumi suggested Japan and China establish a consultation system on bilateral economic relations and trade to ensure a smooth development of Sino-Japanese economic relations and trade. Premier Zhu agreed with Koizumi on his view on China's development.

Zhu said that the future of China and Japan lies in cooperation. China and Japan are each other's important economic cooperation and trade partner. To deepen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation benefits both. He agreed with Koizumi on his suggestion to strengthen coordination between the economic and trade departments of the two countries.

Zhu invited Koizumi to pay an official visit to China within the year, and Koizumi gladly accepted the invitation.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.

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