Japan foreign minister arranging to meet Chinese counterpart in China

Japanese government sources said Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi has begun arrangements to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China by the end of the year at the earliest. It would also mark the first face-to-face meeting between Iwaya and Wang since they took office. The arrangements come after Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru earlier this month.

They confirmed that their governments would strive to realize mutual visits by their foreign ministers at an appropriate time with a view toward expanding bilateral dialogue. Iwaya has expressed his eagerness to actively work to make such visits a reality as soon as possible. The Japanese government also wants to invite Wang to visit the country at an early date after Iwaya's trip to China as part of its effort to improve bilateral ties.