Chinese vice president visits Mongolia, vows to expand cooperation

China is willing to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation with Mongolia, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said on Saturday during a three-day visit in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, where he met separately with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan.

When meeting with Oyun-Erdene, Han said China and Mongolia will continue to consolidate political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote mutual understanding among people.

Han called for cooperation in energy, connectivity and infrastructure construction, as well as consultation and coordination in international and regional affairs between the two countries. China welcomes Mongolia's designation of 2023-2025 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia," and stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Mongolia's youth, students and media.

The Chinese vice president also expressed hope for deepening cooperation among China, Mongolia and Russia, calling for the speeding up of the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene noted that this year marks several significant anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mongolia and China, the 30th anniversary of the revision of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized that Mongolia is eager to work with China to advance bilateral relations in a new era, guided by the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and common development.

During his meeting with Khurelsukh, Han stressed that China and Mongolia are good neighbors, friends and partners. He noted that China has always prioritized its relationship with Mongolia in its neighborhood diplomacy. Han also highlighted that the two sides have consistently supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

He expressed hope that both sides will use the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future as a guide and work to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

Khurelsukh stated that Mongolia attaches great importance to developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is eager to collaborate with China to build a Mongolia-China community with a shared future that benefits the people of both countries and the region.

At the meeting with Amarbayasgalan, the Chinese vice president expressed appreciation for Mongolia's prioritization of friendly and cooperative relations with China in its foreign policy. He stated that China supports the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures and political parties of both countries and hopes that Mongolia's State Great Khural will continue to play a crucial role in advancing the steady and long-term development of China-Mongolia relations.

Amarbayasgalan affirmed that maintaining and strengthening mutually beneficial relations with China is Mongolia's strategic choice and consensus. He added that the Mongolian State Great Khural and all political parties look forward to further expanding exchanges and cooperation with China, learning from each other, and deepening their collaboration.

(With input from Xinhua)