BEIJING, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- China's President Hu Jintao Wednesday noted improvements in relations with Japan, adding both nations must meet pledges to further advance their ties.
The official Xinhua news agency said Hu made the remarks at a meeting with Japan's House of Councilors President Chikage Ogi, who is visiting Beijing.
Ogi's visit follows that of Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose trip was described by Hu as a "turning point" in Japan-China relations.
Hu said both have pledged to overcome political obstacles in their relations and to promote friendly cooperation, Xinhua said.
"Under joint efforts from China and Japan, Abe made his first visit to China a success and refreshed relations between the two countries," Hu told Ogi.
"China will work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the two sides and push forward China-Japan relations in a stable and healthy manner."
Ogi said Japan highly values ties with China and that their friendship will also contribute to peace and stability in Asia and the world, the Xinhua report said.
