Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (L1) shakes hands with Japan's House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (R1) in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Feb. 15, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Wu Gufeng) Photo Gallery>>>

    TOKYO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met Thursday with Japan's House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and New Komeito president Akihiro Ota separately in Tokyo.

    Li said during the meetings that during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's successful visit to China last year, a series of important agreements were reached between leaders of the two countries, which have brought more cooperation and exchanges between China and Japan, according to diplomatic sources.

    The bilateral ties are moving towards a positive direction in general and will meet new development opportunities, he said.

    This year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations and Premier Wen Jiabao will pay an official visit to Japan in April, Li noted, adding that China is ready to work with Japan to ensure the success of the upcoming top level visit.

    During his meetings with the senior Japanese officials, Li said that this year is also the 70th anniversary of the Lugouqiao (Marco Polo Bridge) Incident. He said that issues related with history or China's Taiwan should be appropriately treated to maintain a good political basis for the Japan-China relations.

    Kono, Shiozaki and Ota agreed with Li on his comments over bilateral relations. They said that they welcome Premier Wen's visit and will make efforts to ensure the success of the visit. The Japanese government will honor the joint communique between the two countries in handling issues related with history or China's Taiwan, they said.

    The two sides also exchanged ideas over East China Sea issue, environment and energy cooperation, youth exchange, international issues and other matters of mutual concern.

    At Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso's invitation, Li arrived in Tokyo on Thursday morning to start his visit in Japan.

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (C) shakes hands with Japan's New Komeito president Akihiro Ota (R) in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Feb. 15, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/ Wu Gufeng) Photo Gallery>>>