Japanese and Chinese legislators have agreed over two days of talks held Thursday and Friday in Tokyo on regular exchange of opinions on relations between the two countries. 

At a time when Sino-Japanese relations are confronted with difficulties, it is significant that the legislative bodies of the two countries are conducting direct dialogue and communication to enhance mutual understanding and respect and help improve ties, the legislators agreed at the inaugural meeting of the Japan-China Parliamentarian Exchange Committee.

During the meeting, Japanese chief delegate Jiro Kawasaki, a House of Representatives member in charge of parliamentary operation, and Chinese chief delegate Lu Yongxiang, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), also confirmed their common hope of continuing strengthening bilateral economic relations, promoting cooperation in energy and environment protection and increasing exchanges in culture, sports and youth activities. 

The participants also shared the view that they should play a part in reinforcing bilateral relations and mutual understanding.

They noted that if both sides commit to addressing the mutual concerns in a strategic perspective, the current rift would be overcome and the ties move forward. To further develop the ties, the two sides are supposed to sincerely review the history and face up to challenges in the spirit of taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future.

The Japan-China Parliamentarian Exchange Committee is to meet once a year in reciprocal visits based on an agreement last September in Beijing between Japan's House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo on the need to hold regular exchanges between legislators of their countries.

Lu is heading a lawmaker delegation on an eight-day visit to Japan for the parliamentary talks and other exchange activities. The Japanese team is represented by 11 lower house members from five parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan. 

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2005)