BEIJING- China and Japan on Friday held their 12th ?strategic dialogue, pledging to enhance mutual trust.

"The two sides exchanged views in a candid and in-depth way mainly on the direction of the China-Japan relationship and the mutual political and strategic trust between the two nations," according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry after the dialogue between China's Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and his Japanese counterpart Sasae Kenichiro.

The two sides agreed that they should fully implement the consensus reached earlier between the two nations' leaders and strengthen their dialogue, exchanges and cooperation, and enhance their mutual trust to ensure that their strategic relationship of mutual benefit will develop in a "healthy and stable" way, said the release.

The strategic dialogue came days after Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba's visit to Beijing. Reports said that Gemba's visit to Beijing could pave way for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's planned tour of China later this year.

During Friday's meeting, the two sides agreed to "proactively" make preparations for Noda's visit and take advantage of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries to further advance bilateral relations, said the release.

With the signing of a joint statement, China and Japan normalized their diplomatic relations on September 29, 1972.

According to the release, the two sides also agreed to appropriately handle "sensitive issues" between the two nations through dialogue and consultation.

"The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern as well," it added.

The strategic dialogue, initiated in May 2005, aims to promote mutual understanding and improve bilateral relations between China and Japan.