China, Mongolia to deepen political, economic partnership, FMs say

Container trucks loaded with coal wait to leave the Gashuun Sukhait border port in Mongolia, March 23, 2020. /Xinhua

China will solidify the political basis of its diplomatic ties with Mongolia and also deepen cooperation in international affairs, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

In a Friday phone call congratulating Mongolian Foreign Minister Nyamtseren Enkhtaivan for taking office, Wang said that China is willing to continue to support matters of core interests for Mongolia, while respecting the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Chinese foreign minister expressed gratitude to Mongolia's firm support in Chinese internal affairs involving Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet.

Xi: China-Mongolia cooperation on COVID-19 shows deep friendship

On other matters, Wang said that China is also willing to strengthen the two countries' joint efforts in combating the pandemic, continue to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and facilitate the resumption of trade between the two countries with "green channel."

Wang added that China is also willing to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Development Road Initiative, advance the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the central railway corridor.

For his part, Enkhtaivan said Mongolia's newly-elected government will place the development of friendly relations with China as a priority in its foreign policy, which will not be changed.

Noting that in the battle against COVID-19, the peoples of Mongolia and China have sincerely supported each other and worked together, Enkhtaivan said the Mongolian side is grateful to China for its selfless help.

Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin (C) looks over the protective medical supplies in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, March 28, 2020. /Xinhua

Mongolia is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges as well as communication at all levels with China, strengthen cooperation in a wide range of fields such as economy, trade and energy, and advance major cooperation projects in a bid to make positive progress at an early date, so as to boost economic recovery in the two countries, the Mongolian foreign minister said.

He also said that China is playing an increasingly important role in international and regional affairs, adding that Mongolia stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China, and add more substance to the Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

(With input from Xinhua)