BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Oct 4 sent a congratulatory message to Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on his assuming office as Mongolia’s new prime minister.

China and Mongolia are close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Premier Li said in his message, adding that bilateral relations face significant development opportunities.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to China-Mongolia relations and is ready to join efforts with Mongolia to increase political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation and exchanges in various fields so as to push for greater development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Premier Li said.