Chinese Premier in Japan: Li Keqiang calls for new progress in bilateral ties

World
Europe

02:48

Li Keqiang is on official visit to Japan, the first by a Chinese premier in eight years. The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Natasha Hussain has the details.

Enjoying the beauty of Chinese traditional arts in Tokyo.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended an exhibition held by China's Palace Museum on Thursday.

That's before a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the peace and friendship treaty between the two nations. Some 2,000 attendees at the ceremony applauded for improved ties between China and Japan.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "There is nearly nothing left that is impossible if Japan and China can hold hands together. I'm confident that we can make greater contributions to resolving various regional and global issues."

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Under the current circumstances of a long-awaited recovery in the global economy, growing protectionism is rearing its head again. I believe Japan and China should further maintain multilateral trade, protect free trade, and fight protectionism to maintain the recovery momentum of the global economy."

Later on that day, Premier Li met with Japanese Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the monarch's main residence.

During the meeting, Li said new progress and lasting stable development should be made in the bilateral relationship as it returns to the normal track.

The Chinese premier's tight schedule on Thursday also included meeting with members of the ruling government and opposition.

The day before, the Chinese premier and the Japanese prime minister shared a toast to the two countries' renewed relations, after a round of bilateral meetings covering issues such as the DPRK's denuclearization and the strengthening of economic ties.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "In the last 40 years, our trade grew by leaps and bounds. Japanese investment in China now amounts to over one trillion yen, and there are over 30,000 factories that greatly contribute to Chinese employment. The number two and three economies in the world have ties that cannot be severed."

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Let us raise our glasses to the mutual benefit of our two nations and the renewal of the Sino-Japanese peace enterprise. Also, to the health of each and everyone of us. Cheers."

A toast to a bright and friendly future. Natasha Hussain, CGTN.