Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Japan's new Emperor Naruhito on his succession to the throne.

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito (L) delivers his speech as new Empress Masako (2nd L) stands next to him during a ceremony to receive the first audience after the accession to the throne at the Matsu-no-Ma state room inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 1, 2019. [Photo: STR/Japan Pool/AFP]

In a congratulatory message, Xi said China and Japan are close neighbors with a long history of friendship. The two countries should make joint efforts to promote peace and development and work towards a bright future for bilateral ties, he added.

Also on Wednesday, Xi conveyed greetings and good wishes to Akihito, father of the new emperor, in a separate message following his abdication.