国内英语新闻:Chinese state councilor meets former Japanese PM Hatoyama

SHANGHAI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong met here Saturday with former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who was here to attend the Shanghai World Expo's Japanese National Pavilion Day.

Liu spoke highly of Hatoyama's efforts during his tenure in advancing Sino-Japanese relations, and said China was ready to work with Japan to promote ties.

Liu hoped the Shanghai Expo could serve as a good opportunity to promote bilateral people-to-people exchanges, as such exchanges could help further develop bilateral ties.

Hatoyama resigned from the top post on June 2, and Naoto Kan succeeded him as prime minister.

Hatoyama, who was here as special envoy of the new prime minister, attended an official celebration ceremony for Japanese National Pavilion Day together with Liu earlier Saturday.

During the ceremony, Liu expressed China's appreciation of Japan's support in the preparation of the Expo, adding Japan's rich experience of hosting the event helped spread the Expo spirit.

Japan has hosted the comprehensive Expo twice and the professional Expo three times.

"I believe the Shanghai Expo will provide important opportunities for the two countries and two peoples to deepen mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation," she said.

Hatoyama said he was glad to attend the ceremony, because his wife was born in Shanghai. And he hoped people in the world could use their "hearts" and "technologies," to contribute to the harmonious development of the world.

The Japan Pavilion, with the theme of "Harmony of the Hearts, Harmony of the Skills," is eye-catching with its attractive appearance and clever use of hi-technology. Dubbed the "Purple Silkworm Island" by Chinese people, the pavilion is semi-circular in structure and covered by a purple membrane material.