Beijing [China], December 26 (ANI): Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on Wednesday held a meeting and working lunch with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, with their discussions focused on a wide range of issues, including economic cooperation, security concerns in the East China and South China Seas, and regional and global challenges such as Taiwan, Ukraine, and North Korea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in a statement said, "The two foreign ministers, under a broad direction of comprehensively promoting a "Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests" and building "constructive and stable Japan-China relations," concurred that they would make joint efforts to reduce issues and concerns and increase cooperation and coordination. The two ministers confirmed that they would further strengthen communication at various levels and in a wide range of fields, accelerate necessary consultations and work, and make utmost efforts to realise concrete results by utilising opportunities including high-level communication and interaction, including between the leaders and foreign ministers."

Also Read | Russia Using Bitcoin for Foreign Trade Following Legislative Changes; Check Details.

Minister Iwaya during the meeting expressed Japan's serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and the intensification of Chinese military activities, the buoys, and China's unilateral development of natural resources, and urged the Chinese side to address these issues.

The Japanese Foreign Minister also expressed concerns about the situations in the South China Sea and others, and with regards to Taiwan, he stated that Japan is closely monitoring relevant developments, including the recent military activities, and reiterated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is extremely important for the international community, including Japan.

Also Read | INR vs USD: Indian Rupee Falls 10 Paise To Hit New Record Low of 85.25 Against US Dollar in Early Trade.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional issues such as the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry added, "The two foreign ministers also reaffirmed that Japan and China have an important responsibility in the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community and confirmed to actively engage in dialogue on the regional situation and global issues."

This was Iwaya's first visit to China as Japan's top diplomat, according to Kyodo News. The last time a Japanese foreign minister travelled to China was in April 2023 when Yoshimasa Hayashi visited Beijing. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)