Zhang Hua, Director of the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC), met with a delegation of the Junior Chamber International Japan (JCI Japan) and held a working discussion.

At the invitation of the CIYEC, Takeaki Kamada, President of the Japan-China Friendship Association of JCI Japan, Yusuke Sano, Chairman of the Global Alliance Establishment Commission of JCI Japan, and Huang Wenjun, Vice-chairman of the commission, made an official visit to China from April 11 to 13.

Zhang welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude to Takeaki as well as JCI Japan for their efforts in promoting China-Japan youth exchanges. He said that JCI Japan has long been committed to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Japanese youths, adding that in recent years both sides have made breakthroughs in practical cooperation with significant outcomes.

In the context of complex and changing international climate, China-Japan relations face both opportunities and challenges, Zhang noted. As this year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, he called on both sides to take it as a new starting point, gather the wisdom and responsibility of young people and make contributions to the development of China-Japan relations in the new era.

Takeaki briefed on recent work of JCI Japan and its Japan-China Friendship Association. He said that deepening youth exchanges between China and Japan is conducive to the development of China-Japan relations, which is the aim of this visit. Noting that the CIYEC has played an important role in promoting Chinese and Japanese youth exchanges, Takeaki said he hopes that the two sides would enhance communication and mutual support, accelerate personnel exchanges, and deepen cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, sports and culture, in a bid to promote the sustainable and sound development of Japan-China relations.

During the visit, the delegation also visited the All-China Youth Federation and the Chinese Association for International Understanding. Heads of the Economical Cooperation Department and the International Students Department of the CIYEC also participated in the activities.