Xi says China-Mongolia relationship at "historical best"

 BEIJING, Nov. 10-- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Mongolian counterpart Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on Tuesday, saying the current bilateral relationship is the "best ever" in history.

"China and Mongolia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners," Xi said during talks with Elbegdorj at the Great Hall of the People. Invited by Xi, Elbegdorj is in Beijing for a state visit to China from Monday to Wednesday.

It is Elbegdorj's second trip to China this year. The Mongolian president visited Beijing in September to attend the commemoration marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

"The development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mongolia is in the common interests of the two sides and has won support from the people of both sides," Xi said during Tuesday's talks.

The two countries decided to establish the partnership in August 2014 after Xi made a state visit to Mongolia.

"The Chinese side attaches great importance to ties with Mongolia and the bilateral relationship is always put in an important place in China's neighborhood diplomacy," Xi said on Tuesday.

Xi said China respects Mongolia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the development path chosen by the Mongolian people on their own.

As China and Mongolia have reached consensus on conjoining China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with Mongolia's Steppe Road plan, Xi suggested the two governments discuss an agreement while pushing ahead with concrete projects.

The Steppe Road plan is an infrastructure construction proposal aimed at boosting the Mongolian economy through trans-border transportation.

Xi also called for early completion of the outline of a China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor.

Elbegdorj said the Mongolian side gives priority to the friendly relationship with China in its foreign policy and is ready to increase interactions with China in multiple areas to enhance mutual trust and reciprocal cooperation.

Mongolia is committed to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership, Elbegdorj said, expecting his visit to further promote the bilateral relationship.

Mongolia values trilateral cooperation with China and Russia as well as China's stance in international affairs and is willing to step up communication and coordination with China, according to the visiting president.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome the Mongolian president.