On October 17, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Oigawa Kazuhiko, Governor of Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture, in Beijing.
Yang Wanming commended Ibaraki Prefecture for its longstanding leadership in fostering friendly exchanges with China under Governor Oigawa's guidance. He acknowledged the prefecture's significant contributions to advancing local exchanges and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. Yang noted that China-Japan relations are currently at a critical juncture, requiring both sides to reflect on past achievements and envision future collaboration. He expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to work with all sectors in Japan, including Ibaraki Prefecture, to implement the key common understandings reached by the leaders of both nations. Yang emphasized the importance of boosting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation across various fields and striving to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that aligns with the needs of the new era.
Yang reiterated that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the bonds between their peoples. He expressed hope that Ibaraki Prefecture would continue to play an active role in fostering China-Japan people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. He called for efforts to enhance local-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation, strengthen people-to-people ties, and expand youth programs to ensure the enduring friendship between China and Japan.
Governo Oigawa Kazuhiko highlighted Ibaraki Prefecture's rich history and strong foundation of exchanges with China. He acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bilateral exchanges but affirmed that Ibaraki's commitment to maintaining friendly relations with China has remained steadfast. He pledged to continue promoting friendly exchanges and advancing practical cooperation with China.
Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, Xu Qiangxing, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and Ogawa Haruki, Mayor of Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, were present at the meeting.
