Fukuoka, May 31st—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, held talks here today with friendly personages from various sectors of Fukuoka Prefecture. Sumio Kuratomi, Chairman of Kyushu Economic Federation, Makoto Sasaki, Vice Chairperson of Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, Hiromichi Tanigawa, Chairman of Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Senichi Moriyama, Chairman of Fukuoka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association, as well as members of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, and representatives of the academia and Chinese communities in Japan, were present.  

Liu said, despite new situations and challenges in current China-Japan relations, the fact that the two countries are important neighbors remains unchanged, the foundation of friendship between the two peoples remains unchanged, and the overarching goal of long-term friendly China-Japan relations remains unchanged. All sectors of the two countries should implement the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their meeting in San Francisco, strengthen exchanges and dialogue, properly manage differences, solidify the foundation of friendship, and promote China-Japan relations for stable development.  

Liu said, friendship between the two peoples, local exchanges, and economic and trade interactions are excellent traditions and unique advantages in China-Japan relations. These are the keys and answers to China-Japan friendship. Fukuoka has a long history of interactions with China and serves as an important window for cultural exchanges between the two countries. China-Japan friendship is deeply rooted in Fukuoka. The Chinese side appreciates the commitment of people from various sectors in Fukuoka Prefecture to upholding a friendly attitude towards China and actively promoting bilateral exchanges and cooperation. It is hoped that more individuals with vision of Japan would engage in exchanges with China, promote practical cooperation, and advance the cause of China-Japan friendship.  

Sumio Kuratomi said, Kyushu and China have a long-standing history of friendly exchanges and have always been good partners. The Kyushu Economic Federation is dedicated to promoting economic and trade cooperation between Kyushu and Chinese provinces and cities, enhancing mutual trust between Japan and China, and contributing to the establishment of a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship.  

Makoto Sasaki said, both sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation based on the principles of the four political documents between Japan and China. The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is willing to enhance exchanges with legislatures at local level in China, increase interactions between legislators of both sides, and promote the development of Japan-China relations.  

Hiromichi Tanigawa said Fukuoka has been an important window for Japan-China exchanges since ancient times. He expressed the hope that Japan-China relationship would continue to develop steadily, so that it will lay a solid foundation for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.  

Senichi Moriyama said Japan and China should learn from history and maintain the friendship forged over the past generations. The Fukuoka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association is committed to actively promoting non-governmental exchanges between Japan and China.  

Other representatives from various sectors in Fukuoka Prefecture expressed their willingness to strengthen youth exchanges between Japan and China, advance cooperation in fields such as education and new energy, and offered related suggestions.