On the morning of May 31, 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao met Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the hotel where he stayed.

Hu said that China and Japan are close neighbors separated by a strip of water. The two peoples have a history of friendly exchanges for more than 2,000 years. During the more than 30 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations, with the nurture and consistent efforts of several generations of both countries, China-Japan relations have scored all-round and in-depth development and China-Japan friendship has been deeply rooted in people's hearts. History tells us that the harmonious co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Japan not only bring concrete benefits to both peoples, but also make important contributions to Asian and world peace, stability and development.

Hu stressed that to develop Chinese-Japanese relations in the new century, the two sides must bear in mind the history and lessons of China-Japan friendship, and cherish its achievements, which did not come easily. Both sides should take history as mirror and face the future, adhering to China-Japan Joint Statement, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and Joint Declaration. The two sides should expand areas of common interests and pay attention to and properly address each other's concerns, especially the careful handling of historic issues and the Taiwan question. Chinese and Japanese leaders need to look at and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, grasp the general direction of the development of bilateral relations, seize the historical opportunity and further develop long-term and stable good-neighborly, friendly and mutually beneficial relations of cooperation.

Koizumi said Japan fully recognizes the importance of Japanese-Chinese relations and hopes to constantly develop the ties. China's rapid growth does not pose a threat to Japan or the rest of Asia, but rather an opportunity. The two countries should strengthen cooperation and make joint contributions to the development and prosperity in Asia. It is hoped that the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the signing of Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship would further promote the development of bilateral mutually beneficial friendly relations.

During the meeting, Hu thanked the Japanese government and people's support to China against SARS. The two sides also exchanged views on regional situation.