Wen called on the two countries to deepen friendship, increase exchanges at all levels and expand cooperation in various fields, such as economics and trade.

Kawaguchi arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a three-day official visit to China.

Wen said he hoped the two countries, which have important influence in Asia, can maintain the development of their friendly relationship from generation to generation.

Conveying a letter from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Kawaguchi told Wen that Japan is willing to work to enhance relations with China on the basis of the principles of three key documents.

The Joint Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Japan, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the People's Republic of China and Japan, and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration are regarded as the political basis guiding the development of bilateral ties.

Kawaguchi added that she realized that China's rapid economic growth and its increasingly active role in the world brought opportunities for Japan.

Kawaguchi called on the two countries to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation to benefit the two peoples.

She also met State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Monday. Tang said the two countries should pay high attention to and properly handle the issues of history and Taiwan which influence healthy bilateral ties.

Following this Chinese trip, Kawaguchi also plans to visit three European countries -- the United Kingdom, France and Germany from 9 April.

(China Daily April 8, 2003)