Li reminds Japanese of terms in treaty

Premier Li Keqiang engages in conversation on Thursday with Japan's Emperor Akihito (left) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. He said he hoped bilateral ties improve. It was the first time a Chinese premier has met with the emperor since June 2010. Akihito said he hopes "our relations of goodwill and friendship will improve", according to the royal household. [Photo/Xinhua]

The premier called on Japan to align its development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative, boost cooperation in innovation and high-end manufacturing.

Li said people-to-people exchanges, including tourism, should be promoted to enhance connections between the two peoples. Tokyo's hosting of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and China's hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games will provide opportunities to enhance communication among the public.

As two of the world's major economies, China and Japan should make further efforts to safeguard the multilateral trading system and free trade by fighting against rising protectionism, Li said.

"During my visit, Abe and I had frank talks and reached a basic consensus. Around 20 projects were approved by both countries," Li said.

Meetings between leaders from both countries can make great strides in ties, and the two countries have agreed to expand cooperation in fields such as finance and trade, Abe said.