Society

Emperor meets Chinese Premier Li

May 11 (NHK) - Japan's Emperor Akihito has met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who's visiting the country for the first time since taking office.

The meeting took place at the Imperial Palace on Thursday morning.

The Imperial Household Agency says Li expressed hope that his visit to Japan on the 40th anniversary of a bilateral peace and friendship treaty will lead to long-term, stable development of the 2 countries' ties.

The emperor responded that he hopes to see their friendly relations enhanced. He referred to his 1992 visit to China with Empress Michiko, saying he fondly remembers being warmly welcomed there.

Li said the couple's friendly exchanges with ordinary people made a strong impression among Chinese as symbolizing the 2 countries' friendship.

During their 20-minute meeting, the Emperor also thanked Li for China's decision to give Japan 2 crested ibises for a breeding program.

Li is the first Chinese premier in 8 years to meet the emperor. Premier Wen Jiabao met him in Japan in 2010.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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