Li Yuanchao(R), senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), meets with Hidenao Nakagawa, former secretary-general of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party in Beijing on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Monday China and Japan should make joint efforts for President Hu Jintao's coming visit to Japan.

Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when he met with Hidenao Nakagawa, former secretary-general of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said the coming visit of President Hu is of great significance to the development of China-Japan relations in the new century.

He said China and Japan are facing important opportunities at the moment, calling for both sides to seize the chances and jointly advance the sound growth of bilateral ties on the basis of peaceful coexistence, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

In response, Nakagawa said both Japanese government and people are looking forward to Hu's visit. The improvement of bilateral ties not only accord with the interests of both peoples, but also exert great effects to regional and world peace and stability.

He said he would like to make more efforts for Japan-China friendship and cooperation.

Nakagawa is in Beijing at the invitation of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2008)