Premier Li in Japan: Chinese premier says his visit aims to get bilateral ties back on track

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Premier Li said his visit aims to get bilateral ties back on track. He added China and Japan will work to make sure their ties are healthy and stable. CGTN's Timothy Ulrich has more.

A welcoming ceremony for a rare guest. It's been a while since a Chinese premier set foot on Japanese soil. After years of twists and turns, leaders from both countries want to rebuild bilateral ties. And this year was an ideal time to renew friendship between neighbors.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "Recently, relations between China and Japan have improved and have stabilized. My visit to Japan is to get bilateral ties back to normal, and make sure relations continue to be healthy and stable."

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. I would like to create an environment where national leaders can easily visit each other."

As two important economic powers, China and Japan want to expand trade between the two countries. The two leaders witnessed a signing of deals. That cover public health, the service industry, and social welfare. Despite different approaches to the DPRK, both leaders back the Panmunjom Declaration and agree to work together to push for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The Chinese premier also hold talks with the South Korean president, who was in the spotlight after a historic summit with Kim Jong Un. Premier Li said China welcomes the development of diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role.

Timothy Ulrich, CGTN.