The resignation of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will not affect the promotion of Sino-Japanese relations, a minister with the Japanese government said Monday.

"I firmly believe the newly elected leaders will lead Japan to further promote our relations with China," Hiroya Masuda, minister of internal affairs and communications, said at a welcoming ceremony at the start of the fourth Tokyo-Beijing Forum.

Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office, speaks at the 4th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo September 16, 2008. [chinadaily.com.cn]

The meeting, which opens on Tuesday, will involve dialogue between the two neighbors at the highest level, and comes in the wake of the changes to the Japanese government.

More than 100 political, business and academic leaders from both countries will discuss ways to develop bilateral relations in terms of political dialogue, economic cooperation, media exchanges, food safety, environmental protection and disaster relief.

Zhu Ling, editor-in-chief of China Daily, speaks at the 4th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo September 16, 2008. China Daily is the Chinese side founder the forum. [chinadaily.com.cn]

Several Chinese government ministers, including Wang Chen, head of the State Council Information Office, and former Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing are at the forum.