Exchanges among cities of China and Japan, as an important part of the Sino-Japanese ties, have played a positive and unique role in enhancing bilateral ties, said officials from both sides Beijing on Monday.

At a forum for Chinese and Japanese mayors jointly held by the China-Japan Friendship Association and the Association of City Mayors (ACM) of Japan, more than 10 mayors from the two countries described the cities' current situations, and discussed infrastructure construction, environmental protection, trade and economic cooperation as well as personnel exchanges.

Chen Yongchang, vice-president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said China and Japan so far have 224 pairs of sister cities forging friendly ties since 1973.

Exchanges among these cities have become an important part of Sino-Japanese friendly relations, Chen said, adding he hoped the cities will expand new fields of cooperation, and make greater contribution to Sino-Japanese friendship.

ACM President Yamade Tamotsu, who is also mayor of the Japanesecity of Kanazawa, said exchanges of the cities have not only boosted cooperation in various fields, but also enhanced mutual understanding between the local governments of the two sides and the two peoples as well.