Special report: Hu Jintao Attends Outreach Session of G8 Summit

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda in Toyako, northern Japan, July 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    TOYAKO, Japan, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged views with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda here Wednesday on boosting the strategic and mutually beneficial relations.

    Boosting the strategic and mutually beneficial relations serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, and is also conducive to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world, Hu Jintao said.

    The two leaders met in the northern Japanese resort of Toyako on the sidelines of the Outreach Session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit.

    Hu Jintao pointed out that during his visit to Japan in May, the two countries signed their fourth political agreement -- the China-Japan joint statement on all-round promotion of strategic and mutually beneficial relations.

    The joint statement formulates the guiding principles for the long-term development of bilateral relations and maps out future prospects for China-Japan ties.

    China is willing to work with Japan on the implementation of the consensus reached by the two countries in the statement, that is, to continue high-level contacts between the two countries; to hold the second round of high-level economic dialogues between the two nations this autumn in Tokyo; to promote human and cultural exchanges, and enhance defense exchanges, Hu said.

    Agreeing with Hu's proposals on promoting bilateral relations, Fukuda said relations between the two countries have made significant progress in recent years.

    The Japanese PM expressed hope that the two sides will continue to strengthen political dialogue, expand personnel and cultural contact and enhance exchanges in the field of defense affairs.

    Fukuda also said that he will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and wished it great success.

    Hu welcomed Fukuda's decision, saying that the preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games have drawn strong support from the Japanese government, the Japanese Olympic Committee and other organizations in the country, as well as from friendly people of all circles.

    Referring to the devastating earthquake that hit China's Sichuan province on May 12, Fukuda once again expressed his sympathy and condolences over the heavy casualties and property loss endured by the Chinese.

    The Japanese side will offer help to China for the reconstruction work in the disaster area, and is also willing to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of disaster prevention, relief and reduction, Fukuda said.

    On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Hu expressed sincere gratitude for Japan's prompt assistance to China following the deadly earthquake.

    The Chinese side is also willing to strengthen cooperation with Japan in the fields of disaster prevention, relief and reduction, Hu added.

    The two leaders also discussed world and regional issues of common concern.

    The three-day G8 summit, which began here Monday, focused on the world economy, climate change, energy security and other pressing global issues.

    President Hu was invited to the outreach session of the summit by Fukuda and also met with other world leaders on the sidelines of the session.

    The G8 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.