Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met on Sunday with Hidenao Nakagawa, former secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, calling for joint efforts to enhance the momentum of improving bilateral ties.

During their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Dai expressed appreciation for Nakagawa's contribution to cementing China-Japan personnel exchanges.

As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty, and Chinese President Hu Jintao is to visit Japan soon, Dai called on both countries to seize opportunities to consolidate and enhance the momentum of improving bilateral ties.

In response, Nakagawa said Japan is making utmost efforts to prepare for President Hu's upcoming visit. He vowed to contribute more to the Japan-China friendship.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2008)