ISTANBUL

Turkey and Japan reaffirmed Friday political will to boost their cooperation in bilateral relations including economy and trade, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

Erdogan and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is in Turkey for G20 Summit to be held in Antalya, had a tete-a-tete meeting and appeared in a joint press conference in Istanbul 

"I had an inclusive meeting with Prime Minister Abe, we had the chance of discussing economy, trade between Turkey and Japan, especially what we can do in energy," said the president. 

Erdogan said Abe's visit was "the most concrete and powerful manifestation of the [political] will of the two countries, adding he also discussed regional issues and the G20 Antalya Summit. 

The summit is dedicated to increasing growth and creating jobs around the world. 

With global growth expected at 3.1 percent according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the G20 will propose ways to stimulate economic activity and increase productivity.

"I believe Prime Minister Abe's visit will further reinforce ancient friendship and solidarity ties between the two nations," Erdogan added. 

Shinzo Abe, for his part, said the meeting aimed at deepening and empowering the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Abe praised Turkey for "its role regarding issues in the Middle East", saying Japan wanted to contribute to peace and stability in the region.

"Japanese and Turks are connected with strong ties, the two wings that assist the huge Asia continent from east and west," Abe added.