On July 14, Premier Li Keqiang and Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat held a meeting at the Mongolian Government Palace in the capital Ulaanbaatar.

Premier Li expressed congratulations to the newly appointed Mongolian PM, saying that China and Mongolia are good neighbors, friends and partners, and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides is growing.

The two countries respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, said the Premier, who added that China respects Mongolian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the independent choices of Mongolia for its development path.

Premier Li Keqiang and Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat held a meeting at the Mongolian Government Palace in the capital Ulaanbaatar on July 14. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Premier expressed appreciation for Mongolia’s firm stance on the “One China” policy, saying he hopes to work with the new Mongolian government to consolidate political mutual trust, maintain high-level exchanges, and increase practical cooperation in various fields, all to bring benefits to people of the two countries.

Premier Li stressed that the economies of China and Mongolia are highly complementary, which brings new opportunities to further cooperation. He said China is willing to carry out the connection of the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative to Mongolia’s “prairie” road program, and start a feasibility study soon on a free trade agreement.

He also expressed willingness to expand deep processing of agricultural and animal products, housing and infrastructure construction into new highlights of cooperation, and make new breakthroughs.

China hopes to enhance bilateral cooperation in the financial sector, with efforts to expand currency exchanges, said the Premier, adding that he looks forward to closer cultural exchanges, to enhance understanding and friendship between people of the two countries.

Erdenebat welcomed the first Mongolia visit by Premier Li, who will attend the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in the capital.

Mongolia appreciates China’s long-term support of its economic and social development, said Erdenebat. The new Mongolian administration will continue to maintain the traditional friendship and enhance the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Economic and trade cooperation is one of the cornerstones of the ties between the two nations. Mongolia is willing to strengthen mutual connections, and deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry, energy and mining, infrastructure, and port construction.

Mongolia welcomes Chinese investment, holds a positive attitude toward an early feasibility study on a bilateral free trade agreement, and appreciates China’s support in the organization of ASEM by Mongolia, said Erdenebat.

After the talks, Premier Li and Erdenebat witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation agreements in trade, economy, technology, infrastructure, and radio & television.

Prior to the meeting, the Mongolian prime minister held a grand welcome ceremony for visiting Premier Li at Chinggis Khaan Square.

A guard of honor and cavalry in traditional clothing were lined up in front of the Mongolian Government Palace.

Erdenebat greeted Premier Li, then the Premier received flowers from a local Mongolian girl. Erdenebat and Premier Li reviewed the guard of honor together.

Later on, Premier Li and Erdenebat also attended a launching ceremony of a development center for children with disabilities, which was built with help from China.