Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to strengthen their dialogue to improve bilateral ties.

The 2 leaders met in Germany on Saturday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit. It was the 5th time they have met. Their last face-to-face meeting took place in Peru in November.

Abe and Xi agreed to seek better relations based on bilateral agreements, including joint statements and the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty.

They agreed to increase their dialogue, taking advantage of international gatherings and possible visits to each other's country.

The leaders agreed that their countries will hold talks on peace and prosperity of the region and the world. They said topics to be discussed will include China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative to create a vast economic zone linking Asia and Europe.

The leaders affirmed that denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula is a goal shared by both countries.

Abe said increasing pressure on North Korea is now vital and that China has an extremely important role to play in the effort.

Xi said China has been honoring UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea. But he objected to unilateral sanctions and pointed to the importance of dialogue.

Source: ANNnewsCH