Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday sent a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida over the passing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In his message, Li said, "former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made positive contributions to the improvement and development of China-Japan relations. I met with him multiple times and had positive exchanges of views on promoting bilateral ties.”

Li expressed his willingness to strengthen communication and dialogue with Kishida to boost the sustainable, sound and stable development of China-Japan relations.