Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister, Gemba Koichiro in Beijing. Both pledged to promote bilateral relations.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 23, 2011. [Xinhua]

Premier Wen Jiabao noted China and Japan are both influential countries in the East Asia, and said they should work together to benefit the region. He called for enhancing trust, and promote trade and economic cooperation.

Gemba Koichiro called China's rapid development "an opportunity" for Japan. He said stable relation between the two neighbors is of great significance to both Asia and the world.

Koichiro took up his post in September. He's Japan's youngest Foreign Minister since World War Two. His visit is seen as paving the way for new Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda's first visit to China.

Koichiro is also expected to meet State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi later Wednesday night.