BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday that China expects Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe's upcoming visit to boost friendly exchanges between Tokyo and Beijing.

Hua Chunying, the spokeswoman, made the remarks at a regular press briefing.

Masuzoe announced Tuesday that he will visit Beijing from April 24 to 26 at the invitation of Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun. He said he hopes the trip will mark the first step toward strengthening ties between the two capitals, according to Kyodo News Agency.

Hua said Beijing is still discussing with Tokyo the arrangements of Masuzoe's visit.

China has always supported friendly exchanges with foreign countries at the local level, which are conducive to increasing mutual understanding and friendship, she said.

China hopes Masuzoe's upcoming visit will play a positive role in pushing forward friendly exchanges between Tokyo and Beijing, she added.

Masuzoe, a former health minister and lawmaker who took office in February, will be the first Tokyo governor to visit Beijing at the invitation of the city government since Yukio Aoshima in 1996.