Xi says China and Japan can blaze new paths

China stands ready to work with Japan to blaze new paths and foster greater highlights for pragmatic cooperation and jointly move forward with the regional integration process, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

Xi's remarks came as he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the fourth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday.

China welcomes Japan to continue to proactively take part in its process of reform and opening up and achieve common development and prosperity, Xi said.

The Belt and Road Initiative has provided a new platform and a test ground for the two countries to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

Xi noted that China-Japan relations are back to their normal track with efforts from both sides, and relations now face an important opportunity for further improvement and development.

The two countries should meet with each other halfway, and keep up the positive momentum to enable greater development in bilateral relations, he said.