The Sino-Japanese Civil Society Leaders Meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 17, 2012.

Participants summarized achievements in the past 40 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, and exchanged ideas on non-governmental relations, cultural, youth, economic and trade communications between the two countries.

In attendance was Vice President of the All-China Women's Federation Meng Xiaosi, who said that one of the characteristics of Sino-Japanese relations is the promotion of official communications through non-governmental exchanges. Strengthening non-governmental trust will directly promote governmental exchanges and improve bilateral relations, Meng added.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. A series of events will be held, including a conference in May in Southwestern Guizhou Province and a table tennis competition in Beijing in August, which is expected to attract 2,000 participants.

(Source: Chinanews.com / Translated by womenofchina.cn)