Chinese premier calls for more cooperation, closer ties with Mongolia

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, July 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

ULAN BATOR, July 14 -- China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Mongolia in all respects and forge closer ties between the two neighbors, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday.

During his talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat, Li, who is on his first official visit to the landlocked country, congratulated Erdenebat on his appointment as Mongolia's prime minister.

Li said that China and Mongolia are neighbors, friends and partners, and the two countries have maintained a good momentum in building a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest rank in Mongolia's diplomatic relations reached with China in August 2014.

The two sides respected each other's core interests and major concerns, Li said. China respected Mongolia's state sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the development path chosen by the Mongolian people. China appreciated Mongolia's stance of upholding the one-China policy, the premier said.

"China looks forward to working with Mongolia's new government in continued efforts to consolidate political mutual trust and maintain exchanges between high-level officials, so as to deepen cooperation in all respects," Li said.

Li said the two neighbors are economically complementary and new opportunities in deepening cooperation have become available. China stands ready to dovetail its Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Steppe Road program. China is willing to start a feasibility study on a free trade pact with Mongolia, he added.

China stands ready to make new progress with Mongolia in such fields as the processing of farm and pasture products, housing and infrastructure, Li said. The Chinese premier also suggested the two sides strengthen financial cooperation and expand currency-swap scale, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.

Erdenebat, for his part, welcomed Li's first official visit to Mongolia and his attendance to the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, which will be held in Ulan Bator from July 15 to 16.

Expressing his gratitude for China's long-standing aid to Mongolia, Erdenebat said the new government is committed to keeping traditional ties with China and pushing forward the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Economic cooperation and trade is one of the pillars in bilateral ties and the Mongolian side is willing to advance cooperation with China in such fields as agriculture, livestock farming, energy, minerals and infrastructure, Erdenebat said.

Erdenebat welcomed more investment from Chinese firms, adding that Mongolia is positive with starting the feasibility study of a free trade pact.

Following the talks, Erdenebat and Li witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation agreements ranging from trade, technology and infrastructure to radio and TV broadcasting.

The two leaders also attended the launching ceremony of a facility project dedicated to help Mongolian disabled children, which is donated and built by the Chinese side.