Top advisor: China wants to strengthen cooperation with Japan´s Kansai

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Osaka Prefecture Governor Fusae Ota in Osaka, Japan, Sept. 15, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin continues his goodwill visit to Japan. On Sunday, he visited Osaka in the Kansai area, where he said China wants to strengthen cooperation.

Jia Qinglin met with Osaka Prefecture Governor Fusae Ota and Osaka City Mayor Junichi Seki on Saturday.

Jia recounted the long history of exchanges with Osaka, and praised its leading role in deepening bilateral ties.

Kansai is the second largest economic circle in Japan. Jia Qinglin said it plays an important role in Sino-Japanese trade and business cooperation and promised to continue to support closer ties.

He said China wants stronger cooperation in such fields as energy, environmental protection, technology, and disaster prevention.

The local leaders expressed their eagerness to boost ties with China.

Jia Qinglin started his official goodwill visit on Wednesday as a guest of the Japanese government.