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Pledge to boost ties

JINAN: Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda left Jinan, capital of east China’s Shandong Province, on Sunday afternoon, wrapping up his four-day China tour, which was seen as a “herald of spring” for China-Japan ties. “It is sure that Japan and China can contribute more to Asia and the world at large if we cooperate with each other,” Mr. Fukuda said in an interview at the airport. He pledged to further enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. “We have the responsibility to cement our ties.” Vice Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai as well as local officials in Shandong saw him off at the airport. “My visit to China this time is very meaningful. I had in-depth discussions with Chinese leaders,” Mr. Fukuda said on Sunday morning after visiting the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, the hometown of the ancient Chinese philosopher. This is Mr. Fukuda’s first China tour since he took the office of Japanese Prime Minister in September. During his stay in Beijing, he met Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo, and held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The two sides agreed that Mr. Hu will pay a visit to Japan next spring, which will be the first visit to Japan by Chinese head of state in 10 years after former Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited Japan in 1998. — Xinhua

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