Xi calls for increased cooperation with Mongolia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-19 22:25

ULAN BATOR - Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping put forward a number of suggestions on advancing the all-round cooperation with Mongolia at a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Sanj Bayar Thursday.

During talks with Bayar, Xi said the two countries should maintain high-level contact by increasing exchanges between the countries' parties, parliaments and governments.

He suggested the two nations jointly hold activities next year to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the 15th anniversary of the signing of the China-Mongolia friendship and cooperation treaty.

Xi called for an early start of negotiations geared toward the signing of a bilateral agreement on border control systems.

Both countries should substantially implement an interim development plan of China-Mongolia trade and economic cooperation, by perfecting the cooperative mechanism and actively exploring new areas and new forms of practical cooperation, said Xi.

Cooperation should be substantially pushed forward in fields such as mining resources and infrastructure development, he added.

Xi urged the expansion of mutual cultural and humanitarian exchanges as well. He said China will invite 60 youths from Mongolia to visit the country next year and will continue to support the teaching of Chinese language in Mongolia.

He further called for deeper cooperation in fields such as public health, tourism, archaeology and disaster reduction.

The two countries should also expand cooperation in the multilateral arena, the Chinese vice president said.

He said China supports Mongolia in its endeavor to play an active role in Northeast Asian affairs and in regional organizations.

China is also ready to strengthen cooperation with Mongolia on responding to climate change, Xi said.

For his part, the Mongolian prime minister said his country places great importance on its cooperation with China and is ready to enhance bilateral high-level contact, and deepen cooperation in energy, resources and infrastructure.

Bayar said the two countries should improve the construction of ports along the borders and promote cultural, educational, judicial and law enforcement exchanges.

Mongolia is ready to work with China on maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, said Bayar.

In recent years, there has been frequent high-level bilateral contact. Trade and economic cooperation has grown steadily, with China continuing to be Mongolia's top trade partner and source of investment.

The two nations have also maintained good coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs.

Xi is in Ulan Bator for an official visit to Mongolia at the invitation of the country's government. He is the highest ranking Chinese official to visit Mongolia in the past five years.

Mongolia is the second stop on Xi's first overseas trip since assuming office earlier this year. He is also scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen.

He arrived in the Mongolian capital Thursday morning after concluding an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).