Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga on Wednesday exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors bound by mountains and rivers, noting that Mongolia was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The friendly cooperation between China and Mongolia has brought tangible benefits for the two countries and their peoples over the past 70 years, he added.

The Chinese president said the development of bilateral ties had entered the fast track in recent years with efforts from both sides.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Mongolia relations," Xi said, adding that he is willing to make joint efforts with Battulga to achieve new and greater progress in the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.

China and Mongolia forged diplomatic ties on October 16, 1949, following the founding of the PRC on October 1 that year. The two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2014.

In his congratulatory message, Battulga said that at this important historical moment of the 70th anniversary of China-Mongolia ties, both sides have summarized the achievements of the 70-year exchanges, and made high-level discussion and plans about future cooperation in a long-term direction. The Mongolian side feels happy about this, he added. 
  
At present, China-Mongolia's comprehensive strategic partnership has achieved good development in several fields, met the interests of the two peoples, and made important contributions to peace and development in the region, Battulga said. 
  
Battulga expressed his willingness to continue making joint efforts with Xi to further consolidate and develop a friendly relationship between the two countries, as well as cooperation in various fields. 

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also exchanged congratulatory messages with Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. 
  
In his message, Li said that under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Mongolia to jointly lead bilateral ties so that they keep marching forward, bringing more benefits to the two countries and their peoples. 
  
Khurelsukh said the Mongolian side is willing to constantly enrich the content of the bilateral ties with China, strengthen bilateral cooperation in international and regional affairs, and enhance the friendly relationship between peoples of the two countries. 

(With input from Xinhua)