China, Mongolia upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership   

中蒙元首决定将两国关系提升为全面战略伙伴关系

中国国家主席习近平21日在乌兰巴托同蒙古国总统额勒贝格道尔吉举行会谈。两国元首共同总结中蒙关系发展，规划各领域交流合作，达成一系列重要共识，一致决定将中蒙关系提升为全面战略伙伴关系.[查看全文]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Mongolian counterpart, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, signed a joint declaration in Ulan Bator on Thursday to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. [Special coverage]

The two sides noted that the upgrading is based on high-level mutual trust, a common aspiration for closer ties of mutual benefit, and a shared wish to stay forever as good neighbors, good partners and good friends that are mutually trustworthy and responsible.

Since China and Mongolia established diplomatic ties 65 years ago, friendship and cooperation have been the mainstream of bilateral relations, Xi said in his talks with the Mongolian leader.

The two sides sincerely respect the political systems and development paths they have each selected in accordance with their respective national conditions, Xi noted.

They also take care of each other's core interests and major concerns, and regard each other as important development opportunities, Xi added, stressing that the bond is hard-earned and deserves to be treasured.

China is willing to work with Mongolia to enhance mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and realize common development and prosperity, Xi said.

The decision to upgrade bilateral ties is of strategic significance and in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, he said.

Xi put forward a four-point proposal for the future development of bilateral relations.

First, he called on the two countries to enhance political and security cooperation.

Xi said he is willing to maintain communication with Elbegdorj through various channels on major issues of common concern, and invites Elbegdorj to attend a dialogue among China's partners on the sidelines of the informal leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) due to be held in Beijing in November.

China appreciates Mongolia's correct stand on issues related to Taiwan and Tibet, and supports the legislatures, diplomatic bodies, political parties and defense departments of the two countries to establish and bring into full play the dialogue and communication mechanisms between them.

Second, Xi urged the two sides to comprehensively expand practical cooperation.

The Chinese president asked the two countries to continue making good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and realize the goal of lifting bilateral trade to 10 billion U.S. dollars by 2020.

The two countries, he said, should expand mining, infrastructure and financial cooperation, prioritize cooperation on connectivity and major projects, and strengthen collaboration in such areas as deep processing of mineral products, new energy, electricity, agriculture and border ports.

They also should increase the size of currency swap, launch the preparatory work for the negotiation and signing of a bilateral free trade agreement at an early date, and vigorously promote the building of cross-border economic cooperation zones, added Xi.

Third, the Chinese president urged the two countries to enhance people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides, he said, should properly carry out the China-Mongolia Friendly Exchange Year program, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in such areas as youth, media, protection of intangible cultural heritage, and the prevention and control of transnational contagious diseases and desertification.

Fourth, the Chinese leader called on the two countries to promote cooperation on international affairs and under multilateral mechanisms.

The two sides, he said, should continue strengthening coordination and cooperation within the frameworks of the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

China supports Mongolia playing an active role in international and regional affairs, added the Chinese president.