China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin (L) meets with Japan's Hokkaido Governor Harumi Takahashi (C) and Sapporo City Mayor Fumio Ueda(R),in Sapporo, Japan, on Sept. 16, 2007. (Xinhua/ PhotoJu Peng)

       SAPPORO, Japan, Sept. 16 -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met here Sunday with Japan's Hokkaido Governor Harumi Takahashi and Sapporo City Mayor Fumio Ueda.

       Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said his visit has enabled him to experience the deep traditional friendship between the Chinese and Japanese peoples, and witnessed the vast potentials for bilateral cooperation.

       He said he hoped that Hokkaido will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side so as to make greater contributions to bilateral friendship and cooperation.

       The Japanese officials expressed their hope to expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, environmental protection and tourism in a bid to play a positive role in strengthening bilateral strategic relationship for mutual benefit.

       Jia, who started an official goodwill visit to Japan Wednesday as guest of the Japanese government, is scheduled to leave here for home on Sept. 17.