China and Japan Thursday agreed to hold the first academic meeting on joint study of Sino-Japanese history by the end of this year.

The announcement was made when Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting.

The two governments agreed that each country will create a committee composed of 10 scholars to jointly study the ancient, modern and contemporary history of Sino-Japanese relations.

The study, to be jointly conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Japan's institute on international affairs, is aimed at looking at their history objectively and enhancing mutual understanding.

They also agreed to carry out the study in line with the principles of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration.

The Ministerial Meeting, or dual-ministerial meeting, is attended by ministers of the 21 APEC member economies in charge of foreign affairs and trade to prepare for the Nov. 18-19 Economic Leaders' Meeting.