Beijing, September 11th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Yuji Miyamoto, President of the Japan-China Friendship Center. 

Liu said, China-Japan relations are currently at a critical stage, and the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen dialogue and communication at all levels in various fields including political parties, non-governmental organizations, localities and youth, enhance political mutual trust, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and comprehensively advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit. It is hoped that the Japanese side can work with the Chinese side in the same direction with a strategic and long-term perspective, properly manage differences and promote the sound and steady development of China-Japan relations. The Chinese side appreciates the Japan-China Friendship Center's long-term commitment to bilateral exchanges and cooperation and hopes that the Japan-China Friendship Center will make greater contributions to promoting China-Japan friendship. 

Yuji Miyamoto said, Minister Liu Jianchao led a Chinese delegation to Japan in May this year, which sent a positive message to the Japanese society. Japan-china relations are very important and the Japanese side is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the Chinese side, enhance personnel exchanges, understanding and mutual trust and promote regional peace, stability and development. The Japan-China Friendship Center is willing to strengthen exchanges with the IDCPC, deepen the friendship between the two peoples and promote the improvement and development of bilateral relations.