Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Sydney yesterday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to exchange views on bilateral ties, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular and other issues of common concern.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Both China and Japan are APEC members.

All-round Sino-Japanese ties currently maintain a sound momentum of improvement and development, which are widely welcomed by both peoples and the international community, Hu said.

"Sino-Japanese ties are now at a crucial juncture," Hu said, "we should maintain such a sound trend, and push forward the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties."

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese ties. Over the next few months, the two countries will host various activities of friendly exchange, Hu said, hoping that the two sides will cooperate and support each other to make these activities a success, in order to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship of both peoples.

"We welcome Prime Minister Abe to visit China again this year, and hope both sides will make good preparations to ensure the visit achieve positive results," Hu told Abe.

Abe echoed Hu's remarks on bilateral ties, saying bilateral cooperation has made progress in various areas.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in defense matters have made positive progress, which are of great significance, Abe added.

Japan attaches great importance to maintaining high-level contacts with China and is looking forward to conducting more contacts with Chinese leaders this year, Abe said.

Japan is ready to work with China to push forward bilateral ties, Abe added.

The Chinese president arrived here from Canberra Wednesday to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. He has also paid a state visit to Australia.