Japanese Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko believes it is important to maintain friendly relations between the Chinese and Japanese governments and two peoples, said Hatsuhisa Takashima, press secretary of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Takashima said Kawaguchi made these remarks during a meeting with China's State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Sunday morning. She also stressed the importance of the Sino-Japanese 21st Century Friendship Committee.

Takashima quoted Kawaguchi as saying that, "Japan hopes the East Sea is a sea of friendship and hopes both China and Japan will carry out wide and complete research and discussion on resource development."

Kawaguchi said that the Japanese government appreciated China's efforts in dealing with the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and hoped the next round of the six-party talks will be held by the end of September, said Takashima.

Takashima said Kawaguchi reiterated Japan's standpoint on the "one-China" policy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2004)