At the meeting with the Japanese emperor on Thursday, the two leaders looked back on Sino-Japanese relations and agreed that friendship between the two countries will greatly benefit people everywhere. They pledged to promote cooperation and take bilateral relations to a new level.

Wen also attended a ceremony with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for the launching of a high-level Sino-Japanese economic dialogue mechanism. The first round of this new economic dialogue is expected to take place later this year.

Wen said during the meeting that China and Japan should continue to explore new ways to raise the level of their economic and trade cooperation.

For his part, Shinzo Abe said China is Japan's important trading partner, and that China's rapid economic development has provided huge opportunities for Japan.

He said the two countries should establish a regular exchange program to improve economic ties.

Premier Wen also held talks with Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and House of Councilors President Chikage Ogi. In addition, he met several leaders of Japan's main political parties.