TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated here Friday that Japan-China relations remain one of the most important bilateral relations of Japan and should be improved through an overall perspective.

Abe made the remarks at the regular lower house session in the Diet and said it is important for both countries to contact in various areas, including political level.

Leader of the small ruling New Komeito Party Natsuo Yamaguchi, who met with Chinese Communist Party's leader Xi Jinping on Jan 25, said in the same occasion that both he and Xi agreed to improve Japan-China strategic and mutually beneficial relations.

He also said enhancements in economic, environmental and social welfare communication between the two nations will contribute to a more stable bilateral relationship.

Meanwhile, Abe also met with the country's former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who visited China on Jan 28 with a group of Japanese lawmakers.

Murayama briefed the outcome of his visit and said both side should resolve the problem through dialogue and prevent themselves from taking provocative acts.

Related stories about Japan-China relations:

China urges Japan to foster normal relations

Xi calls for proper resolution with Japan

China's Xi meets Japanese ruling party leader

Abe: Japan-China summit necessary to mend ties