Beijing, December 30, SPA -- New Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda ended his first official visit to China on Sunday with an appeal for both countries to work together. "It is sure that Japan and China can contribute more to Asia and the world at large if we cooperate with each other," state news agency Xinhua quoted Fukuda as saying at the airport. "We have the responsibility to cement our ties," he added. The visit, which saw bilateral agreements signed in a number of fields, was seen as a "herald of spring" for China-Japan ties. Chinese President Hu Jintao will pay a visit to Japan nextspring, which will be the first visit to Japan by a Chinese head of state in 10 years. Hu is also expected to attend as a guest a July Group of Eight (G8) summit scheduled to take place in Japan.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/513220