On the morning of April 16, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is also general secretary of Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation from the two Japanese ruling parties headed by Ibuki Bunmei, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Kitagawa Kazuo, Secretary-General of the Komei Party, at the Great Hall of the People.

During the meeting, Hu spoke highly of the current Sino-Japanese relations and the exchanges between the political parties of the two countries. Hu hailed the recent positive momentum of bilateral ties, pointing to frequent exchanges at all levels and expanding cooperation in various areas. He added that the two sides had maintained close communication and consultations on regional and international affairs and major issues of mutual concern.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty, and it is also a year of friendly exchanges for youth of the two countries. Hu said Sino-Japanese relations are facing new opportunities for development. "The Chinese government and party value relations with Japan, and developing good-neighborly and friendly relations featuring long-term stability has been our consistent guideline," he said. Hu vowed to expand exchanges and cooperation with Japan to promote mutual understanding and trust, so as to advance China-Japan strategic reciprocal relations in a comprehensive way. Hu urged both sides to make unremitting efforts to achieve the goal of peaceful co-existence, friendship for generations, reciprocal cooperation and common prosperity.

Echoing President Hu's comments on bilateral ties, the Japanese guests said that the Japanese ruling parties and the nation's people would strive to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two peoples and inject more vitality into bilateral strategic reciprocal relations, in a bid to bring more benefits to both peoples and safeguard stability and development of Asia and the world at large. Ibuki Bunmei said Japan supported China in holding the Olympic Games, adding that such a position will remain unchanged. The Games would be a great event in Asia and Japan wished it success, he noted.

Ibuki Bunmei also delivered a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo to President Hu Jintao.

Minister Wang Jiarui and Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee attended the meeting.