Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on Japan to uphold multilateralism at the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Osaka summit during his phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Wang said that President Xi Jinping's upcoming trip to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit is of great significance to improving governance and upholding multilateralism on a global scale.

He also stressed that Xi's trip is vital to promoting friendly relations and practical cooperation between China and Japan.

Wang urged the two countries to keep in mind the big picture and work together under the frameworks of strategic thinking and mutual understanding to ensure the complete, smooth and successful implementation of all agenda for the summit.

For his part, Kono said the Japanese side attaches great importance to Xi's attendance at the summit and extends a warm welcome to the Chinese president, hoping for positive signals from the two sides to promote a Japan-China relationship that fits into the new era.

The Japanese side is willing to work with the Chinese side to strengthen communication and coordination to ensure the success of the summit and all related events, he said.  

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Tokyo, Japan, April 15, 2018. /Reuters Photo)