China and Japan pledged to continuously promote cooperation and personnel exchanges.

In a Monday meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Chinese President Hu Jintao said the two countries should view relations from a long-term and strategic perspective.

Hu highlighted the continuation of exchanges among youth of the two countries, which paves the way for long-term development of bilateral ties.

Yasuo Fukuda is heading a 1,000-member youth delegation for a visit to China. They attended the closing ceremony of the "China-Japan Friendly Exchange Year of the Youth" in Beijing on Dec. 20.

Hu hailed the successful conclusion of the exchange year and praised Fukuda's contribution to China-Japan relations.

Hu said significant progress had been made in Sino-Japanese ties in 2008 as leaders frequently visited and cooperated in international and regional affairs.

For example, Hu visited Japan in May and met Aso Taro twice since Taro became Japanese prime minister in September. They reached consensus on pushing forward a strategic and reciprocal relationship.

Fukuda said Hu's visit to Japan had great impact on Japan-China relations. He added, Japan would enhance cooperation with China, properly handle problems and join hands to cope with the global challenges.

He said Japan would promote youth exchanges with China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2008)