BEIJING - China on Thursday extended an invitation to Japanese Foreign Minister Gemba Koichiro to visit the country, saying the two sides are currently working on an agenda for the leader.

"We welcome Foreign Minister Gemba Koichiro to visit China at his convenience. Both sides are working together closely in this matter," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a routine press conference.

Jiang's remarks came following a reporter's question regarding an ongoing visit by Tarutoko Shinji, acting secretary-general of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Japan's ruling party.

Jiang highlighted the overall improvement of China-Japan relations this year, noting that the two nations previously agreed to continue boosting their bilateral strategic partnership after Japan's new cabinet took office.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with Japan and is willing to work together with the new Japanese cabinet to enhance dialogues, exchanges and cooperation and to further advance China-Japan relations," Jiang said.

Tarutoko Shinji is visiting China from October 26 to 28 at the invitation of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).