Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed on the need to create a new era for the two countries as they step up preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Japan next spring.

Abe told Li that he wants to make the recent improvement in ties sustainable and promote "constant" high-level exchanges and dialogue, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Li was quoted as saying that momentum has been maintained for improving Sino-Japanese ties, adding that they are now back on a "normal track."

The meeting took place during Abe's three-day visit to China through Wednesday where he held a trilateral meeting with Li and South Korean President Moon Jae In.