Mongolia's new government seeks stronger relations with China

Mongolia's new government has a strong will to strengthen cooperation with China and will work to create a sound environment for Chinese investors, the nation's newly-elected parliament speaker said Thursday. [Special coverage]

Miyegombo Enkhbold, chairman of the State Great Hural, said in a meeting with visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang that the new government will maintain a stable China policy and enhance practical cooperation with China with the aim of further cementing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The State Great Hural will attach great importance to and help implement the important consensus and results achieved during Li's visit to his country, Enkhbold said.

He said Li's visit will greatly boost bilateral friendly cooperation, adding that Mongolia will make more efforts to provide a sound legal environment for the Chinese businessmen investing in the country.

Congratulating Enkhbold for his election, Li said China highly values its relations with Mongolia and is ready to consolidate the traditional friendship and deepen the two nations' partnership in agriculture, husbandry, infrastructure and finance, so as to promote economic growth and improve people's livelihood on both sides.

Li said he looks forward to more exchanges between Mongolia's State Great Hural and China's National People's Congress, and between ruling parties of the two nations.

During his meeting with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Li said "China is satisfied with the sound momentum of our comprehensive strategic partnership," adding that he hopes to advance bilateral cooperation to a higher level with the Mongolian side.

China is willing to work with all the parties of the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit to underscore peace, friendship and cooperation, help address the common challenges and promote stability and common development, Li said.

He added that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the ASEM, whose member countries in Asia and Europe are confronted with refugee crises and the threat of terrorism.

For his part, Elbegdorj said developing Mongolia-China relations is a top priority for his country, adding Mongolia's policy to foster friendly cooperation with China will not change.

The two sides agreed to push for more progress in promoting Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation in the upcoming ASEM summit.

Earlier on Thursday, Li held talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat, and witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation agreements ranging from trade, technology and infrastructure to radio and TV broadcasting.

Li is paying an official visit to the landlocked country, and is due to attend the 11th ASEM summit on Friday and Saturday.