Li, Akihito expect bilateral exchanges to boost Sino-Japan ties

Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is ready to move ties with Japan back to the right track and achieve further progress under the principles of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, when he met with Japanese Emperor Akihito in Tokyo.

The premier conveyed sincere greetings from President Xi Jinping to the emperor.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the treaty. During his visit to the island neighbor, Li met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the speaker of the House of Representatives and president of House of Councilors in Japan's parliament, or Diet, leaders of political parties and people from all circles, he said.

Li said he would also visit Hokkaido to boost local exchanges between the two countries, hoping to work with the Japanese side to achieve long-term healthy development of bilateral ties. China would like to strengthen personnel exchanges and consolidate the foundation for public wills as well as understanding between the two peoples, he said.

Emperor Akihito said he was glad Li paid an official visit to his country in such an important year, hoping the trip will further boost ties with China. He said he is still impressed with the warm welcome of the Chinese people 20 years ago when he visited China. Through that visit, he found hearts of the two peoples were connected.

He expressed sincere hope that the exchanges between the peoples would result in a better future for bilateral ties. He also wished success for Li's visit.