China supports Mongolia's entry into APEC

China supports Mongolia's bid to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) mechanism, said a joint declaration signed in Ulan Bator on Thursday by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Mongolian counterpart, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. [Special coverage]

China and Mongolia have been consistently pursuing peace-oriented foreign policies and supporting international cooperation aimed at strengthening peace and security, said the document.

China is willing to see Mongolia play an active role in East Asian cooperation, and backs its efforts to participate in an appropriate manner in East Asia Summits as well as the trilateral cooperation between China, South Korea and Japan, said the declaration.

The two neighbors agreed to enhance communication and coordination in such multilateral organizations and cooperation mechanisms as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Greater Tumen Initiative.

The two sides will further deepen bilateral contact and coordination on peace, security and development issues in northeast Asia, said the document.

According to the declaration, Mongolia supports China's efforts to restart the Six-Party Talks, and stands ready to join the cooperation programs within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and the construction of an Asian infrastructure investment bank as a founding member.

China voiced support for Mongolia's proposal to hold a trilateral summit with Russia so as to further strengthen consultation and cooperation among the three neighbors.

Additionally, China said in the declaration that it backs the "Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security" initiative proposed by the Mongolian president.

China is the host of the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, due to be held from Nov. 5 to 11 in Beijing.

Xi arrived in Ulan Bator earlier in the day for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Elbegdorj. It is his second one-country foreign visit since he took office in March last year.