A group of 225 Japanese lawmakers formed a support group for the
2008 Beijing Olympics on Monday, to contribute to the success of
the upcoming sports event and boost friendly ties with China.
"The 2008 Beijing Olympics will be the third Olympics in Asia
and a gathering for peace," House of Representatives Speaker
YoheiKono said at the launch ceremony in Tokyo, "Japan will
actively support Beijing Olympics and contribute to its success,
for the improvement of bilateral relations."
Kono, who was designated as the group chairman, said that he
expected the group members to generate good ideas and support
Beijing Olympics with action.
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi said he appreciated and felt
grateful that the lawmakers from different parties can form a group
to support Beijing Olympics.
"This year marks the development and growth of China-Japan
relations," Wang said, noting that Premier Wen Jiabao will launch an "ice-thawing" journey
to Japan in April. Wang expected that the establishment of the
support group can be a new bridge between peoples of the two
nations.
Among the 225 Japanese lawmakers, six are former Olympics
players. According to organizers, the Beijing Olympics support
group is the largest Japanese lawmaker group. The support group is
scheduled to hold a series of activities to make contributions to
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2007)
