Jia Qinglin (1st R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Nikai Toshihiro, chairman of the General Council of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2008.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Jia Qinglin, head of China's political advisory body, said here on Wednesday the country would like to push forward relations with Japan in a long-term, healthy and steady manner.

    The chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) met with Nikai Toshihiro, chairman of the General Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

    Jia said the successful visit by President Hu Jintao to Japan in May had opened up a new strategic mutually beneficial situation of relations. The joint declaration the leaders of the two countries signed had become the fourth political document guiding the development of bilateral relations.

    This year also marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty and the year of the China-Japan youth friendly exchange.

    Jia said under the guidance of the four political documents, China was ready to take this opportunity to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen cultural exchanges and properly handle sensitive issues with Japan.

    He thanked the people and government of Japan for their assistance to China after the severe earthquake in Sichuan province and for their support to the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Nikai spoke highly about Hu's visit. He expressed admiration to the effort and spirit of the Chinese people and government in fighting against the earthquake and in disaster relief. He also expressed confidence about the Beijing Olympic Games success.

    He added he would like to continue to work towards strengthening cultural exchanges and consolidating the social basis for forever friendship between China and Japan.

    Nikai was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.