Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Friday that with feelings of "deep remorse" and "heartfelt apology "over its wartime atrocities engraved in mind, Japan would stick to the principle of resolving all matters by peaceful means.

"In the past, Japan, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations," Koizumi said at the opening ceremony of the ongoing Asian-African summit in Jakarta. "Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility."

"With feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology always engraved in mind, Japan has resolutely maintained, consistently since the end of World War II, never turning into a military power but an economic power, its principle of resolving all matters by peaceful means, without recourse to use of force," he said.

The prime minister said 50 years ago, Japan stood before the Asian and African nations assembled at Bandung to declare its determination to develop itself as a peaceful nation. "That spirit of 50 years ago remains steadfast to this day."

"Japan once again states its resolve to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world in the future as well, treasuring the relationship of trust it enjoys with the nations of the world," Koizumi said.

Leaders and representatives from more than 100 countries and regions are gathering in Jakarta to discuss the establishment of Asian-African strategic partnership at the two-day summit.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2005)