Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met in Beijing Friday with a delegation headed by Kato Koichi, member of the House of Representatives of Japan.

Li recalled Premier Wen Jiabao's recent visit to Japan, saying China is willing to make joint efforts with Japan to earnestly implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries during their mutual visits.

He said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Japan in the fields of economy, culture, security and regional and international issues, to realize the great goal of peaceful coexistence, friendship from generation to generation, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

Li also highly appreciated the efforts by the Japanese guests in promoting the improvement and development of China-Japan relations, saying he hoped the parties and statesmen of both countries to further strengthen exchanges to make new contribution to the building of China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

Kato, former Secretary-General of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said Japan-China relationship has improved remarkably, and it is a result of efforts from both sides.

"Premier Wen's visit to Japan was welcomed by people from all circles of Japan, and was a great success," he noted. "The visit has further promoted the improvement of Japan-China relations. It was a win-win visit."

Kato said the Japanese side is willing to strengthen exchanges with China in various fields, to enhance mutual understanding and trust and promote Japan-China friendship.

Kato arrived in Beijing Friday afternoon for a four-day visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2007)