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Sunday, January 28, 2018, 17:50
China calls for joint efforts to advance Sino-Japan ties
By Xinhua
Sunday, January 28, 2018, 17:50 By Xinhua

Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with his visiting Japanese counterpart Taro Kono at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Jan 28, 2018 in Beijing, China. (ZHANG YUNBI /FOR CHINADAILY.COM.CN)

BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday urged Japan to make joint efforts to bring Sino-Japan bilateral ties "back to the track of sound development."

To improve and develop China-Japan relations meets the interests of both sides, and common aspirations of various circles of the two societies

Wang Yi, Foreign Minister, China

Wang made the call during his talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Beijing Sunday.

Kono arrived in China on Saturday for a two-day official visit. It is his first visit to China as Japan’s foreign minister.

READ MORE: Kono says willing to promote China-Japan relationship

"Your visit to China at the beginning of the year shows the Japanese government's strong willingness to improve bilateral ties," Wang told his Japanese counterpart.

Kono's visit came as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which is of special and great significance to bilateral ties.

Describing Sino-Japanese relations as being at a crucial stage, Wang said China had noticed the recent positive comments of the Japanese side and hoped Japan would translate its words into actions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stressed Japan's willingness to promote the relationship with China, in a policy speech Monday.

Wang urged the Japanese side "not to slack or fall back, and work together with China to meet each other halfway."

"To improve and develop China-Japan relations meets the interests of both sides, and common aspirations of various circles of the two societies," Wang said.

ALSO READ: Cooperation will boost China-Japan relations

In a written interview with Chinese media ahead of his trip to China, Kono said Friday that he hopes Japan and China could further enhance mutual trust and steadily develop the relationship of friendly cooperation based on the overall interests, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

He also expressed his hopes that his visit at the beginning of this year would be a good start for bilateral relationship.

"I'm willing to promote cooperation and communication between Japan and China in all areas while properly addressing outstanding problems, to further enhance mutual trust and steadily develop bilateral relationship of friendly cooperation based on the concept of strategic and mutually beneficial relations," he said.

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