On May 10, a welcome reception was held in honour of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Japan on the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, attended by Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, representatives of the Japan Business Federation, representatives of Soka Gakkai and other guests.
Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada met Premier Li Keqiang and conveyed a message from SGI President Ikeda, who had also penned a Chinese poem as a token of friendship.
In their exchange, Mr Harada pledged to continue efforts to strengthen China-Japan friendship and cultural exchange initiated by Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda when President Ikeda presented a proposal calling for the normalisation of Sino-Japanese relations on September 8, 1968. Mr Harada also informed the Chinese Premier of his plan to visit China in October with a large delegation of Soka Gakkai representatives from throughout Japan.
Premier Li responded that the delegation will be wholeheartedly welcomed. He also expressed his appreciation for the Chinese poem he received from President Ikeda. And he expressed sincere wishes for President Ikeda’s good health.
President Ikeda had met Premier Li in 1985 when he visited Japan as deputy leader of an All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) delegation. On that occasion, the ACYF and the Soka Gakkai Youth Division signed an exchange protocol, with the aim of building mutual understanding and strengthening friendship. Since then, for over 30 years, the two youth groups have held 32 subsequent exchange visits.