Former Japanese Foreign Minister Komura Masahiko said Friday that it is very important for Japan and China to actively conduct exchanges at various levels, even when bilateral ties are weak.

Komura, also president of the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship, is here as one of the heads of seven Japan-China friendship organizations on a visit to China at the invitation of the China-Japan Friendship Association.

Komura told a press conference that the sound economic relationship between Japan and China is the fruit of efforts made by the old generations from both sides to push for Japan-China friendship, and accord with the interests of both nations.

Nowadays the political relations between Japan and China are not very satisfactory, but if such a situation affects bilateral economic ties, it would be a loss for both sides, he noted.

Both Japan and China agree that a stable Japan-China relationship serves the interests of the two sides, Komura said, hoping that such a message could be conveyed to the two peoples.

According to Komura, the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship has organized many field trips to China for the Japanese youth, in an effort to help increase mutual understanding and improve relations between Japanese and Chinese people.

Source: Xinhua