Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (L) in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Feb. 16, 2007. (Xinhua / Wu Gufeng)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Friday to discuss bilateral ties and the planned visit to Japan by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Li conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to Abe and said China appreciates Abe's decision and efforts for mending ties with China, according to diplomatic sources.

A stable Chinese-Japanese relationship, which benefits not only both countries, but also Asia and the world, is broadly welcomed by the international community, Li said.

Li said his tour is to pave the way for Wen's upcoming visit in April, adding that the premier's visit provides an important opportunity for the two countries to enhance mutual trust, to maintain the momentum for bilateral ties' improvement and development and to build a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.

Noting that China attaches great importance to the relationship with Japan, Li said the two governments and their politicians should view the ties from a strategic and long-term perspective to build a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, attaining the goal of "peaceful coexistence, friendship for generations, cooperation for mutual benefit and joint development."

For his part, Abe said the Japanese government, the Japanese people and himself warmly welcome and look forward to Wen's visit.

"I am ready to exchange ideas in depth with Premier Wen on further promoting cooperation with China, on establishing strategic, mutually beneficial relations, as well as on enhancing coordination in regional and international issues," Abe said.

As this year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-China diplomatic relations, Japan will, together with China, make new efforts for the stable development of the bilateral relations, Abe added.

Editor: Wing