A Japanese research body on Thursday presented research documents on Osaka-Kobe earthquake reconstruction to Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to Japan, to help with rebuilding operations in China's quake-hit southwestern areas.

During the presentation ceremony held at prime minister's residence, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda first extended sympathy and encouragement for those affected in China's May 12 devastating quake.

Fukuda said that he hopes for an early accomplishment of China's reconstruction work in the quake-hit areas with enhanced cooperation between Japanese and Chinese peoples.

Expressing thanks for the relief aid and donations from various circles of the Japanese society as well as the government, Cui said that the research and reference materials on post-quake reconstruction came at an opportune moment when China has shifted its focus from rescue and relief operations to reconstruction and recovery efforts.

He added that as Japan is a country with vast and valuable knowledge and experience in quake-related operations, the documents will surely play an important role in China's reconstruction drive.

Cui expressed the hope that disaster prevention and alleviation as well as post-disaster rebuilding will become an important area of bilateral cooperation and the China-Japan relations will thus achieve further advancement.

Toshitami Kaihara and Makoto Iokibe, chief and deputy chief, respectively, of the 21 century research body on Hyogo earthquake, handed to the Chinese Ambassador the research materials, which includes reference materials specific to the reconstruction of Sichuan's quake-hit areas, rebuilding strategy and scheme of the Osaka-Kobe quake and comprehensive analysis of the 10-year reconstruction of the Osaka-Kobe quake.

Also present at the ceremony were Japanese officials, Chinese envoys and representatives from emigrants of Chinese.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2008)