TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Tuesday that it is necessary to make Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's prospective visit in April to Japan a success.

Abe made the comment in his official residence after hearing report by former defense agency chief Fukushiro Nukaga about his earlier visit to China. The prime minister said it is delightful that high level communications in all fields between Japan and China are being strengthened, and he pledged to continue to attach importance to the bilateral ties.

Abe also said that defense exchanges are conducive to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Nukaga made a visit to China from February 11 to 14 at the invitation of the Chinese Society of International Strategies, during which he met with some high ranking Chinese officials, including State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and foreign communications department chief of the Chinese Communist Party Wang Jiarui.