Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Akihiro Ota, leader of Japan's New Komeito Party, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan. 8, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 9 -- President Hu Jintao has met with Akihiro Ota, the head of Japan's junior ruling coalition party. Both men say prospects seem brighter for improving Sino-Japanese relations.

    President Hu Jintao told Ota that exchanges between the Communist Party of China and the New Komeito will play an important role in Sino-Japanese ties.

    He said the CPC would like to join efforts with Japan's main parties, including the New Komeito, to further promote cooperation.

    This year will celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 2007 is also the Year of Sino-Japanese Sports and Cultural Exchanges. President Hu expressed that exchanges in various fields will help strengthen ties and deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and Japan.

    Agreeing with President Hu, Ota said that Japan also welcomes the improvement of bilateral ties in recent years. The New Komeito leader suggested that more senior-level exchanges between the two governments has aided this achievement. Ota also promised that his party will continue efforts to promote China-Japan friendship.

(Source: CCTV.com)