Fifth Beijing-Tokyo Forum opens in northeast China city

The fifth Beijing-Tokyo Forum with the theme of "China-Japan cooperation in global economic crisis" opened in the northeast China city of Dalian Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said in his congratulatory message to the forum that Japan-China relations could develop further through dialogues and expanded cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo in his congratulatory message said as two important nations both in Asia and the world, enhanced cooperation between China and Japan help the two countries to tackle difficulties brought about by the global financial crisis. "That will play an active role in pushing for the development of regional economy and the recovery of the world economy."

State Council Information Office director Wang Chen put forward five proposals on promoting China-Japan relations, including enhancing mutual understanding and trust, promoting trade and economic relations with more powerful measures, promoting media cooperation with greater openness, expanding exchange and communication in the cultural and humanity sectors, and making active efforts to strengthen China-Japan coordination and cooperation on Asian and international affairs.

Zhu Ling, Editor-in-Chief of China Daily said the forum was expanding its vision from bilateral ties to future developments of Asia and the world.

Beijing-Tokyo Forum was first held in 2005 and becomes a platform for elites from both countries to exchanges views on development of China-Japan relations and enhancing mutual trust.

The current two-day event was co-sponsored by China Daily and the non-profit Japanese organization Genron NPO.

Source: Xinhua