Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Friday that he was glad to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and was willing to exchange opinions on issues of mutual concern.

The Japanese prime minister is here to attend the seventh summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting which opens on Friday afternoon.

Wen also welcomed him to come for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship "despite his busy agenda shortly after assuming office," which Wen said showed Aso's high concern over Asia-Europe cooperation and Sino-Japanese ties.

Aso appreciated China's efforts in hosting the summit and congratulated China's successful hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Aso said he was delighted to visit China and meet Wen again at the memorable moment when the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

Wen made an official visit to Japan in April 2007, when Aso served as the foreign minister in Shinzo Abe's cabinet.

Wen said the two sides need to treasure the hard-earned favorable relationship achieved through years of efforts.

China is willing to make joint efforts with Japan on the basis of the principles set out in four political documents between the two countries to fully carry out the consensus reached by their leaders, push forward the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries and make joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, Wen said.

In face of the international financial crisis, there should be more policy dialogue and coordination between the two countries to maintain stability in the financial market, said Wen, citing that it is vital for the financial stability of Asia.

The two sides should also expand economic and technological cooperation and improve domestic and regional economic growth, said Wen.

Wen emphasized that China holds a responsible view on its food security, and is ready to strengthen cooperation in this respect with relevant countries including Japan.

China and Japan have reached consensus in principle over the issue of the East Sea, and would continue to work together and solve related problems, to make it a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship, said Wen.

Aso said China and Japan are close neighbors, and should develop strategic and mutually beneficial relations. Japan is willing to keep high-profile exchange with the Chinese side on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues, and enhance communication and coordination on major issues such as international finance and six-party meeting.

Japan attaches great importance to high-profile economic dialogue between the two countries, hopes to constantly improve the mechanism and expand mutual cooperation in key areas, said Aso.

Japan would take measures to encourage the exchange of young people from the two countries and improve people-to-people friendship, said Aso.

He also noted that Japan hopes to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side in respect to food security and East Sea issues and appropriately solve related problems.

After the meeting, the two sides attended the signing ceremony of consular convention and the exchange of notes on jurisdiction assistance agreement of the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)