China, Mongolia upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership (2)

Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (L, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) before their talks in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Aug. 21, 2014. Xi arrived in Ulan Bator Thursday for a two-day state visit to Mongolia. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

For his part, Elbegdorj said the Mongolian side highly values the development of good-neighborly friendly cooperation with China and regards it as a priority of Mongolia's foreign policy.

The establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership indicates that China-Mongolia relations have entered the best period in history, he said, noting that he fully agrees with Xi's proposal on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

China enjoys popular support among the Mongolian people as it has fully taken into consideration the interests of the Mongolian side in bilateral cooperation, Elbegdorj said.

He stressed that the Mongolian side always supports China's positions on Taiwan and Tibet affairs and does not support any forces or activities aimed at splitting China.

Mongolia hopes to expand bilateral trade with China and enhance bilateral cooperation in such areas as agriculture, coal and power, the president said.

Mongolia, he added, appreciates the convenience offered by China in transit transport, and is willing to actively participate in the building of the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt and jointly advance Asia-Europe cross-border railway transportation.

Meanwhile, Elbegdorj said his country supports the people-to-people exchanges between Mongolia and China, which help deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Mongolia stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China in regional and international issues, so as to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, he said.

Prior to their talks, Elbegdorj held a grand welcoming ceremony for Xi, who arrived here earlier in the day for a two-day state visit to Mongolia. It is the first visit in 11 years by a Chinese head of state to Mongolia.

After their talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements covering areas like diplomacy, economy and trade, transit transport, mining, infrastructure construction, finance, culture and housing construction.

Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, the two presidents reiterated their commitment to further consolidating bilateral friendly relations and practical cooperation.