Standing Committee member Liu Yunshan in Ulan Bator as first stop of Asia-Europe tour

Senior Communist Party of China official Liu Yunshan met separately with Mongolia's president and prime minister on Saturday, signaling a strong desire on both sides to cement ties in a comprehensive manner.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, started his visit to Ulan Bator on Saturday.

In his meeting with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Liu first conveyed greetings and best regards from President Xi Jinping.

During the state visit by President Xi in 2014, the two countries upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and bilateral ties entered a new stage. The momentum should be cherished and maintained, Liu said.

"My visit is to implement the agreements made by top leaders of the two countries, help increase mutual understanding and promote cooperation in a bid to push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership," he said.

Liu stressed that China highly values its relations with Mongolia and regards their ties as an important part of its neighborhood diplomacy.

Respecting each other's core interests lays the political foundation for the healthy and stable development of China-Mongolia relations, Liu said, adding that China respects Mongolia's state sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the development path chosen by the Mongolian people.

China appreciates Mongolia's stance of upholding the one-China policy, Liu said.

Beijing hopes the two sides will further strengthen political trust, jointly work for better connectivity along the border, and enhance cooperation on ports, industrial capacity and investment, among others, and maintain close coordination on major regional and global issues so as to safeguard common interests.

China is also willing to enhance coordination with Mongolia within the framework of the United Nations and it welcomes Mongolia playing a positive role in international and regional affairs.

Elbegdorj said Mongolia will unswervingly pursue a friendly policy toward China, and continue to deepen political mutual trust and substantial cooperation with China.

During his meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat, Liu proposed that the two countries deepen exchanges at all levels, work for new progress on major projects, tap their economic complementarity and create a stable and better investment environment.

China encourages cooperation with Mongolia in supporting the Silk Road Fund under the Belt and Road Initiative, Liu said.

Erdenebat spoke highly of the long-term Mongolia-China cooperation, saying Mongolia will actively participate in China's proposals like the Belt and Road Initiative, interconnectivity and production capacity cooperation.

Mongolia appreciates China's consistent assistance, and will advance cooperation with China in such areas as mineral resources, infrastructure, currency swaps, farm produce processing and cross-border transportation, Erdenebat said.

Earlier, Liu also met with Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party Miyegombo Enkhbold to discuss party-to-party and cultural exchanges. Enkhbold is also chairman of Mongolia's parliament.

Liu also attended a launch ceremony for a joint cultural program that will introduce Chinese TV dramas to Mongolia.

Mongolia is the first stop of Liu's Asia-Europe tour, which will also take him to Greece and Hungary.

(China Daily 10/03/2016 page2)