China, Mongolia agree to boost cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure construction

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang(L) and Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat attend a press conference after their talks in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, July 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

ULAN BATOR, July 14 (Xinhua) -- China and Mongolia agreed to speed up the alignment of their development strategies and boost bilateral practical cooperation in major fields for better accomplishment of mutual benefits and win-win results, visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Thursday.

Li made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Mongolian counterpart Jargaltulga Erdenebat.

Li said the two sides pledged to effectively accommodate their complementary advantages with each other's demands, propelling practical cooperation in such fields as the deep processing of agricultural and animal products, housing and infrastructure construction, and building materials.

"We both agreed to steer the development of bilateral ties into the right direction," said Li.

Among rising uncertainties and instabilities hindering the recovery of global economy, the European refugee crisis, along with the spread of regional terrorism, have posed challenges to regional peace and stability in Eurasia, Li told reporters.

"They are affecting the whole continent, and the impact of Brexit on the global financial market has also emerged," said the premier.

Against this backdrop, Li said China stands ready to work with other parties to address these challenges, shore up confidence and unleash positive signals of growth, so as to make contribution for the peace, stability and prosperity in Eurasia and the whole world at large.

Hailing Li's visit as important and significant, Erdenebat said the visit injects new impetus into the development of Mongolia-China ties.

To bring benefits to the two peoples, Mongolia is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, deepen practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, infrastructure construction, energy, investment, agriculture and finance, said the prime minister.

He noted that Mongolia is full of confidence in the future development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership -- the highest rank in Mongolia's diplomatic relations.

Li arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to Mongolia and the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting summit.

This is Li's first trip to the landlocked Asian country since he took office as Chinese premier in 2013, and the first official visit by a Chinese premier to the country in six years.