China will further expand economic and trade cooperation with the neighboring country of Mongolia, particularly in mineral resources exploration, infrastructure construction and the financial sector, a senior Chinese leader said on Wednesday.

Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, made the remarks when meeting with his Mongolian counterpart, Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, chairman of the State Great Hural, in Ulan Bator. Wu arrived in Ulan Bator on Wednesday for the first visit by a top Chinese legislator to Mongolia in 16 years.

Experts said the two-day goodwill visit provides an excellent opportunity to foster closer parliamentary ties between China and Mongolia.