Wen, Abe attend opening ceremony of Sino-Japan Culture and Sports Exchange Year

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For his part, Abe described politics and economy as the two "wheels" to speed up bilateral ties, and culture as the bond. He said the two peoples should learn about the culture of the other.

The China-Japan Culture and Sports Exchange Year marks the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.

Wen and Abe later joined about 1,000 representatives from all walks of life from both countries at a performance by Chinese folk artists.

Premier Wen arrived in Japan Wednesday for a three-day official visit. He's expected to leave for Kyoto on Friday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe attend the opening ceremony of the China-Japan Culture and Sports Exchange Year in Tokyo, April 12, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

Editor:Du Xiaodan