"This is the overall situation" for the two sides to consider, Jiang told visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono at the Great Hall of the People.

Jiang pointed out that "it is inevitable that certain problems occur in contacts between neighboring countries." What is important is that the leadership between the two countries "takes hold of the overall situation," he said.

"Should the two countries adhere to their belief in bilateral friendship, view the situation in the long run and make prompt consultation and communication, no concrete problem can not be tackled," he said.

Jiang in the meeting recalled his 1998 state visit to Japan, during which he and the late Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo streamlined the future direction for the healthy and stable growth of Sino-Japanese relations.

Jiang said the two nations should "promote new and better development of bilateral relationship in the new century in line with taking history as the mirror and looking forward to future."

The Chinese president also hoped the official visit to Japan by Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji can "add to friendly atmosphere" between the two countries.

Friendly face-to-face contact between officials from different countries is important for state-to-state ties, Jiang said, adding that friendship rooted in the people "form the ground" of Sino-Japanese relations. He mentioned that a warm gathering of 5,000 Japanese people in Beijing on May 20 is a reflection of such deep-rooted friendship.

"I'm optimistic on the future of Sino-Japanese relations," Jiang said, saying that mutually beneficial cooperation can play an important role in the development and prosperity in Asia.

Kono fully agreed with Jiang's views on bilateral ties. The past leaders of two countries made a resolute decision to normalize ties between the two countries 28 years ago, Kono said, pushing forward greatly the growth of Japanese-Chinese relations. Jiang also made an important speech on the Japanese-Chinese relationship during the May gathering and all walks of life in Japan were deeply encouraged, he told Jiang. The bilateral ties cannot advance without the care and instruction from the leadership, he said.

On the problems that exist in bilateral relations, Kono said that the two peoples should proceed from the standpoint of friendship for the next generation and resolve these problems at an early date.

He said that Japan is anticipating Premier Zhu's visit and believes the visit will definitely push forward bilateral ties.

China is important to the peace and prosperity in Asia, he said. Cooperation between China and Japan is conducive not only to the two countries, but also to the peace and development in the world. The Japanese government will continue to engage in the promotion of friendly cooperation with China.

(Xinhua)