Chinese PM’s visit will further strengthen ties

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao"s two-day visit to Mongolia beginning tomorrow will help take forward bilateral good-neighborly relations based on mutual trust, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Yu Hongyao has told Xinhua news agency. The visit is the first by a Chinese premier in 16 years and also the first by Wen as premier.

It is expected to strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples, as well as bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Wen will hold talks with his counterpart S. Batbold, and meet President Ts. Elbegdorj and Parliament Speaker D. Demberel to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

A number of trade and economic cooperation agreements will be signed. Ambassador Yu said that in recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of both countries, ties have developed continuously, with mutual political trust being deepened, trade and economic cooperation widened, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges increased.

The Chinese government attaches importance to developing ties with Mongolia, and highly respects Mongolia"s independence and sovereignty, and firmly supports the development path chosen by the Mongolian people, the ambassador said. China appreciates the fact that Mongolia views its ties with China as one of its diplomatic priorities, strongly supports China on issues concerning its core interests, and abides by the one-China policy on the Taiwan and Tibet issues, he said.

Bilateral trade rose to USD2.438 billion in 2008 from USD243 million in 1998. After experiencing a decline in 2009 due to the global financial crisis, it is on the rise again this year.

Ambassador Yu said both countries have got tangible benefits from bilateral trade. Chinese commodities have enriched the Mongolian market, while Mongolia"s natural resources exported to China have supported China"s economic development.