BEIJING — Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Jan 28 urged Japan to make joint efforts to bring bilateral ties “back to the track of sound development.”

Wang made the call while holding talks with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Beijing on Jan 28.

“Your visit to China at the beginning of the year shows the Japanese government’s strong willingness to improve bilateral ties,” Wang told Kono, who is on his first China visit as Japanese foreign minister.

Kono’s visit came as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which is of special and great significance to bilateral ties.

Describing Sino-Japanese relations as being at a crucial stage, Wang said China had noticed the recent positive comments by the Japanese side and hoped Japan would put its words into actions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stressed Japan’s willingness to promote the relationship with China, in a policy speech on Jan 22. Wang urged the Japanese side “not to slack or fall back, and work together with China to meet each other halfway.”

“To improve and develop China-Japan relations is in the interests of both sides, and the common aspiration of various circles in the two societies,” Wang said.

Kono is on an official visit to China from Jan 27 to 28.