Abe vows to improve Japan-China relations significantly
Jiji -- Jan 06
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his strong determination on Friday to significantly improve Japan's relations with China this year, which marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral peace and friendship treaty.

"I want to make 2018 a year in which the people of both countries recognize significant improvement in relations," Abe said in a speech during a New Year's greeting party organized by the Jiji Press group.

Abe aims to realize a reciprocal visit by him and Chinese President Xi Jinping to each other's country this year. The Japanese prime minister exchanged words with Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua, who attended the party.

In the speech, Abe said North Korea's nuclear and missile development and a territorial dispute between Japan and Russia are also high on his diplomatic agenda.

Abe also said he will put top priority on the economy. "I will push forward with policies aimed at pulling the country out of deflation," he said.

安倍総理大臣は5日の政府与党連絡会議で、来週、エストニアなどのバルト3国をはじめ、ヨーロッパの6カ国を訪問することを明らかにしました。
News sources: Jiji, ANNnewsCH