TOKYO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Japan will promote cooperation between the two countries by building "a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

    Premier Wen's three-day visit will demonstrate the benefits of such a strategic bilateral relationship, initiated by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to China last October, a foreign ministry official said at a press conference.

    This year is the 35th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations and a bilateral exchange year of culture and sports, the official said.

    Premier Wen will start his visit on Wednesday.