Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has met foreign ministers from China, South Korea and Japan in Tokyo.

Abe said the total economic output of the three Asian neighbors accounts for around one-fifth of the global economy, adding that cooperation is crucial. He said he hoped the meeting would pave the way for future talks between the three leaders later this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R, Front) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C, front) and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se (L, Front) in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Abe said Japan looks forward to building stronger, long-term ties with China. He said he hoped to work with Beijing to strengthen trust and control differences. He added that the upcoming G20 Summit is significant to the development of the global economy and Japan will support China in hosting it.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said trilateral cooperation should be boosted in politics, trade, culture, and sustainable development. He stressed that more efforts are needed to promote regional peace and development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se (from L to R) attend the 8th trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)