Shanghai mayor meets former Japanese prime minister

Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong met Yasuo Fukuda, former prime minister of Japan and chairman of the Advisory Committee of Boao Forum for Asia, and his delegation on April 12.

Ying welcomed his guests at a Chinese calligraphy exhibition. He said this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship and it’s an important opportunity for the two countries to promote a more harmonious relationship.

As China’s economic center and its forerunner of opening-up and reforms, Shanghai will work hard to promote the reforms and be a good host to the upcoming China International Import Expo in November. The city is willing to promote the exchange and cooperation with Japan in trade and cultural industries.

Also, Shanghai is willing to learn from Japan’s experience in urban and social management, the community construction and its system of elderly care.

Fukuda said the Japan-Sino relationship is very important and he hoped the two countries can rev up the non-governmental exchanges and promote their bi-lateral relationship. He hoped Shanghai to successfully host the upcoming CIIE.

Masaaki Osawa, governor of Gunma Prefecture, and Kazuyuki Katayama, Japan’s consul-general in Shanghai, also attended the meeting.