President Hu receives Olympic suppport in Japan

(CCTV.com)
Updated: 2008-05-12 14:33

In his meeting with the crown of the world's oldest throne, Hu Jintao said that, during his stay in Japan, he has been fully aware of the people's enthusiasm for the development of friendship between China and Japan.

The Emperor described the achievements made by Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda as "fruitful."

In his farewell to Hu Jintao, Emperor Akihito wished the friendship between China and Japan could be passed on from generation to generation.

Later, Hu met the leadership of a non-partisan pro-Olympic league, made up of more than 300 Japanese lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, which is also the biggest lawmakers' body in Japan's lower house.

Hu Jintao said the Beijing Olympics is a grand event not only for the Chinese people, but for all Asians, including the Japanese, and for the whole world.

He said China will honor the Olympic commitments it has made to the international community and will try its utmost to ensure the success of the Games.

The Chinese President expects continued support for the Olympics from the lawmakers' league and Japanese people from all walks of life.

The Speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, Yohei Kono, expressed the hope that China and Japan will use the Olympics as a favorable opportunity to further expand bilateral exchanges in culture, sports and personnel.

Hu Jintao then visited the world's first full-time overseas Chinese school in Yokohama. He was welcomed there with a Chinese-themed ceremony.

The Chinese President joined a class and listened to students reading ancient poems from China's Tang Dynasty in Chinese language.

Children also talked about their excitement about the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

The Chinese President also visited representatives of the local Chinese community and sang famous Chinese songs with them.

Hu Jintao left Tokyo on Friday afternoon and headed for Osaka to continue his 5-day visit in Japan, which is also the longest state visit he has made as President.