Two leaders exchange ideas during fourth Eastern Economic Forum

China stands ready to work with Japan to blaze new paths and create greater highlights for pragmatic cooperation, and jointly move forward with regional integration, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

Xi's remarks came as he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the fourth Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.

He stressed that it is important for both parties to always abide by the four bilateral political documents, consolidate political foundations, chart the right direction and manage differences in a constructive manner.

The Japanese side should properly handle sensitive issues, such as historical issues and the Taiwan question, so that there is a good atmosphere in which common interests can be expanded continuously, he said.

China welcomes Japan to continue to proactively take part in China's process of reform and opening-up, and achieve common development and prosperity, Xi said.

The Belt and Road Initiative provides a new platform and a test ground for the two countries to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

Xi noted that China-Japan relations are back on a normal track thanks to efforts from both sides, and relations now have an important opportunity to achieve further improvement and development.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of The Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China, and the prime minister as well as the Japanese government have shown positive postures in relations with China on multiple occasions, he said.

The two countries should meet each other halfway on issues and keep up the positive momentum to enable greater development in bilateral ties, he said.

As major economies in the world and important countries in the region, the two sides should take responsibility to play constructive roles in safeguarding regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity, he said.

Xi said that China and Japan should stand firm in safeguarding multilateralism, the free trade system and WTO rules, and work toward building an open world economy.

Abe said that Japan hopes to establish closer relations with China and achieve common development and prosperity.

Japan is willing to endeavor to enhance high-level exchanges with China, strive for more cooperative outcomes and accelerate the improvement and development of bilateral relations, he said.

Japan is also willing to further promote friendship between the two peoples and properly handle sensitive issues, he said.

Premier Li Keqiang met a delegation of over 200 Japanese business leaders on Wednesday in Beijing.

Li said China and Japan should step up cooperation in innovation and high-tech areas, and tap into potential for cooperation in third-party markets.

China will further widen market access and strictly protect intellectual property rights to improve the business environment, he said.

China is ready to actively push forward negotiations concerning the China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreements as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to better promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, he said.