Chinese president's Mongolia visit to upgrade ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to neighboring Mongolia will upgrade bilateral ties and benefit regional prosperity, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday.

President Xi will pay a state visit to Mongolia at the invitation of Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on Aug. 21-22.

Xi's visit to Mongolia is not only his first since taking office in March 2013 but also the first by a Chinese president in 11 years. The visit will be of great significance to the China-Mongolia relationship, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao said at a press briefing.

During the visit, Xi and Elbegdorj will hold talks, sign and issue an important political document, and witness the signing of a series of cooperative agreements in politics, economy, finance, culture and other fields, Liu said.

Xi will also meet other Mongolian leaders, deliver a speech at the State Great Hural, Mongolia's parliament, and attend economic and trade activities.

The two countries' leaders will undertake strategic planning for the future development of bilateral relations to promote the two sides as good neighbors, good partners and good friends, said Liu.

The two countries will discuss trade cooperation with coordinated efforts in mineral resources exploitation, infrastructure construction and finance. They will make intercommunication and big mining programs a priority to push forward bilateral cooperation, he said.

The two countries will launch cultural and personnel exchange plans to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, Liu said.

The two countries will also discuss strengthening cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. Other topics include construction of the Silk Road economic belt and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Liu said he believes the president's visit comprehensively enhance bilateral ties, greatly promote bilateral cooperation and friendly exchanges, provide greater impetus for the development of each country, and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

Developing relations with Mongolia is a priority for China, Liu said, noting the current bilateral ties have enjoyed smooth development.

Friendship and cooperation have defined the China-Mongolia relationship since the two established diplomatic ties in 1949, and their ties have made constant progress since the two sides signed the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation in 1994, said Liu.