Fukuoka, May 31st—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Seitaro Hattori, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture.  

Liu said, the foundation of the development of state-to-state relations lies in the people, its hope lies in the people, its vitality comes from exchanges at sub-national levels, and it is driven by enterprises. People-to-people and local exchanges are an important part of China-Japan relations. Fukuoka has been an important node and hub for China-Japan cultural exchanges since ancient times. It has a solid foundation for exchanges with China and possesses all the elements for cooperation with China. Fukuoka Prefecture has established friendly relations with many places in China and has carried out rich exchanges and cooperation in many fields, playing a unique role in enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Fukuoka is welcome to further expand exchanges with China, strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, environmental protection, etc., and strengthen personnel exchanges, especially youth exchanges, to help with the improvement and development of China-Japan relations.  

Seitaro Hattori warmly welcomed Liu Jianchao and the CPC delegation. He said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, through the unremitting efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have made great progress. Fukuoka Prefecture attaches importance to its relations with China and is willing to, together with Jiangsu Province and other Chinese provinces and cities, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education, etc., and intensify youth exchanges, so as to promote the development of Japan-China relations.  

On the same day, Liu also visited the Eco Town and a solar photovoltaic panel recycling plant in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Takeuchi, Mayor of Kitakyushu City introduced the city's experience in pollution control and environmental protection, and expressed his willingness to deepen cooperation with China in environmental protection. Liu said that under the guidance of Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization, China is unswervingly following the path of green development. Sharing huge potential for cooperation in ecological and environmental protection, China and Japan should strengthen exchanges and cooperation.