Myanmar, Mongolia issue joint statement on bilateral relations

Myanmar and Mongolia issued a joint statement Thursday as Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj ended his three-day state visit to Myanmar.

Presidents of both countries underlined that the first ever visit by a head of state of Mongolia marked the opening of a new chapter in Myanmar-Mongolia relations and laid down solid foundation for further strengthening the traditionally friendly bilateral relationship and cooperation.

Elbegdorj expressed Mongolia's willingness to support and assist Myanmar's wide ranging aspiration in democratization, rule of law and protection of human rights, the statement said.

On Myanmar's upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2014, Mongolia hoped that ASEAN- Mongolia cooperation, particularly in the framework of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), will be strengthening during Myanmar's chairmanship.

Both sides vow to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, mining, tourism, culture and economy.

The two presidents agreed to promote the exchange of visits at all levels to identify potential areas of bilateral cooperation.

They reaffirmed the importance of active bilateral cooperation at the regional and international levels and under ASEAN principle, Myanmar will consider Mongolia's interest to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN and to join the East Asia Summit.

The Mongolian president extended an invitation to his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein to visit Mongolia which was accepted by the latter.

During Elbegdorj's three-day state visit, Myanmar and Mongolia signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and special passports.

During his visit, Elbegdorj also met opposition leader and parliamentarian Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital and addressed a Myanmar-Mongolia business forum in Yangon. He also delivered a speech at the Yangon University on Mongolia's reform.

Elbegdorj was the first Mongolian leader to have visited Myanmar ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1956.