China-backed AIIB approves $100 mln loan for Mongolia's virus fight

BEIJING, June 19 (Reuters) - The Beijing-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a loan of $100 million to help Mongolia battle the coronavirus pandemic, the bank said on Friday.

The project, cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank, will support a government program covering public health funding, protection of vulnerable groups, support for businesses and fiscal stimulus measures, the bank said in a statement.

The loan is part of the AIIB's $10 billion funding facility to help public and private sectors fight the outbreak.

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Mongolia receives anti-virus supplies from China

ULAN BATOR, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia received medical supplies from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

The medical materials included 100,000 masks, 1,000 protective suits and 200 boxes of testing kits.

"As a result of the Mongolian government's optimal measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Mongolia has become one of the few countries where no cases of the coronavirus from local transmission has been reported. This is a great achievement," Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Chai Wenrui said in a speech during the handover ceremony of the donation.

"In addition, no cases of COVID-19 infection imported from China has been reported in Mongolia. We are ready to cooperate with the Mongolian side to maintain the situation," Chai said.

Mongolian Health Minister Davaajantsan Sarangerel expressed her deep gratitude to the Chinese government and people for the donation.

As of Tuesday, a total of 38 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Mongolia.

All confirmed cases, including four non-nationals, are imported, according to the country's National Center for Communicable Disease. Enditem

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Chinese ambassador hails Mongolia's support for fight against COVID-19

ULAN BATOR, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Chai Wenrui on Thursday expressed appreciation for the Mongolian government and its people's support for China's fight against COVID-19.

"We are happy that no cases of coronavirus have been reported in Mongolia. We are ready to cooperate with the Mongolian side to maintain its coronavirus-free status, coordinate the prevention measures and win a complete victory over this virus," Chai said at an event held to thank the Mongolians at the Chinese Embassy here.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in China, Mongolian leaders, representatives from various sectors, students and even children have been expressing solidarity with China in its battle against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The Mongolian government has donated 200,000 U.S. dollars toward China's epidemic control efforts, and the country's President Khaltmaa Battulga, as the first foreign head of state to visit China since the COVID-19 outbreak, has offered a donation of 30,000 sheep to China during his recent one-day visit there.

As more Mongolians wish to donate money and prevention supplies to China, the Mongolian government last month launched a nationwide campaign called "Emotional Support to an Eternal Neighbor."

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China Focus: Xi says China, Mongolia help each other in face of difficulties

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday held talks with Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi said the Chinese government and people are making all-out efforts to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), during which the Mongolian government and people have offered precious support.

Hailing Battulga as the first foreign head of state to visit China since the outbreak, Xi said the special visit by Battulga to express consolations and support to China fully embodies the high attention he pays to the China-Mongolia ties and the profound friendship between the two peoples.

This vividly shows that China and Mongolia, as neighboring countries, can rely on each other in difficult times, said Xi.

Xi expressed his welcome as Battulga paid the visit only one day after Mongolia's traditional Tsagaan Sar holiday, and sent festive greetings to the Mongolian people.

Xi said that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government have attached great importance to the epidemic, activated a national response mechanism and taken the most comprehensive, thorough and rigorous measures.

A leading group of the CPC Central Committee on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 was established immediately and a central government guiding team was sent to Hubei province, said Xi.

After arduous work, the positive trend in the prevention and control work is now expanding, Xi said, adding that the country has full confidence, capability to win this battle against the epidemic.

China has coordinated the prevention and control work with the economic and social development, and tried its best to minimize the impact of the epidemic, he said.

According to Xi, China has adopted a targeted approach in different regions to advance resumption of work and production based on local health risks, ensure timely agriculture work in spring and guarantee people's basic livelihood.

Noting that China's economy is resilient with broad domestic demand and a strong industrial basis, Xi said China will strive to meet this year's economic and social development targets.

Xi said that guided by the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, China is making every effort not only to protect the life and health of its own people but also to contribute to global public health security.

With an open, transparent and responsible attitude, the Chinese government has actively stepped up international cooperation on fighting the outbreak, said Xi, adding that China's efforts have been highly affirmed and recognized by the World Health Organization and the international community.

China will continue to work with countries including Mongolia to fight the epidemic and safeguard regional and global public health security, he said.

Noting that China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors linked by waters and mountains, Xi said China has attached high importance to the bilateral relations and always taken Mongolia as an important direction of China's neighborhood diplomacy.

China is committed to cementing political mutual trust with Mongolia and enhancing Belt and Road cooperation to benefit both peoples, he said.

Battulga expressed consolations to the Chinese people over the outbreak and spoke highly of China's rapid establishment of a joint prevention and control mechanism and national people-oriented efforts to fight the epidemic.

Stressing that Mongolia and China are comprehensive strategic partners, Battulga said the Mongolian people completely relate to what the Chinese people are going through and would like to stand closely together with the Chinese people in the difficult times.

Mongolia launched fund-raising activities to support China's fight against the epidemic, and received active responses from all walks of life, he said, adding that Mongolia will send additional 30,000 sheep apart from the previous donations.

Battulga said he believes that the Chinese people will definitely win the battle against the epidemic at an early date and overcome the difficulties to realize the set goals of social and economic development under the strong leadership of President Xi.

Mongolia commends China's pursuit of neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and stands ready to work with China to deepen mutual trust and support, enhance cooperation to promote greater development of bilateral relations, said Battulga.

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Mongolia-China trade volume reaches 8.9 bln USD in 2019

ULAN BATOR, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Trade volume between Mongolia and China reached 8.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2019, accounting for 64.4 percent of Mongolia's total foreign trade, according to data released Sunday by the country's National Statistics Office.

Mongolia traded with about 152 economies across the world in 2019. Its major export items to China include coal, copper and molybdenum concentrates, according to the office.

The Mongolia-China trade volume took 89.1 percent of the Asian country's total exports through 2019, according to the statistics.

The bilateral trade volume between the two neighbors was valued at 8.4 billion dollars in 2018.

The two countries have set a 10-billion-dollar target for bilateral trade in 2020.

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Finance Minister of Mongolia signs loan agreement with China’s Exim Bank Vice President

Minister of Finance of Mongolia Ch.Khurelbaatar met with Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China Xie Ping in Beijing to exchange views on the projects being implemented in Mongolia by Chinese government soft loans, Montsame reports.

The two pointed out the importance of timely and effective execution of projects under the partnership between Mongolia and China.

Following the meeting, a signing ceremony of loan agreement on construction project of new central waste water treatment plant in Ulaanbaatar city was held. The project will be implemented in Mongolia by USD 1 billion soft loan issued by the Chinese government.

Officials from Mongolian Embassy in China and Ministry of Construction and Urban Development of Mongolia and Export Import Bank of China were present at the ceremony.

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Chinese, Mongolian leaders exchange New Year greetings

BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga exchanged New Year congratulations on Wednesday, pledging to enhance their countries' cooperation.

In his message, Xi said that 2019 witnessed significant progress in China-Mongolia relations, with the two sides marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and achieving fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

He recalled that when Battulga paid a state visit to China and attended the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last April, they had in-depth exchange of views and reached important consensus, providing important political guidance for bilateral relations.

Stressing that he attaches great importance to China-Mongolia relations, Xi pledged to work with Battulga to push for new progress in the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to benefit the two countries and their peoples.

For his part, Battulga recalled that in 2019 Mongolia and China held grand celebrations for the historic year of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, adding that through joint efforts of the two peoples, the Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership has achieved all-round development.

As permanent neighbors, Mongolia and China have always been committed to regional security and development while respecting each other's development path as well as interests and concerns, Battulga said.

He said he stands ready to maintain close cooperation with Xi and wishes China prosperity and progress.

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Chinese, Mongolian FMs hold phone conversation over bilateral ties

BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday held a phone conversation with Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar over ties between the two countries.

Wang said this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia, adding that the two countries have successfully held a series of celebration events.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have taken on a new look, and the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained a positive momentum of development, he said.

Wang said both sides should work together to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust and mutual support, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and accelerate the projects aimed at improving people's livelihood, so that the China-Mongolia ties can better benefit the two peoples.

For his part, Tsogtbaatar said Mongolia and China have held grand events this year to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic relations, giving a strong boost to the ties.

The two sides have maintained close high-level exchanges and two-way trade volume has reached a new high, he said.

Tsogtbaatar said Mongolia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and stands ready to make joint efforts with China to lift the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level.

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Interview: China contributes greatly to Mongolia's health sector: minister

ULAN BATOR, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has been making great contributions to the development of Mongolia's health sector by supporting the construction of hospitals, donating advanced medical devices and providing training for medical staff, Mongolian Health Minister Davaajantsan Sarangerel told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"Mongolia and China are eternal neighbors. In recent years, our two countries have enjoyed good ties and cooperation in the health sector," she said.

China has built several public hospitals in Mongolia in recent years as donations, the minister said, noting that the hospitals have helped improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in the country.

A China-funded medical center for disabled children was officially put into operation in the Bayangol district of the capital city of Ulan Bator on May 31. It is equipped with 250 beds, and can provide treatment for up to 250 outpatients a day simultaneously.

The minister said the medical center, fully equipped with advanced equipment, is the first of its kind in Mongolia.

In addition, China has been assisting Mongolian medical personnel in improving their professional skills. A total of 80 medical workers have been trained in China so far this year, according to the minister.

2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia. The two sides have organized several events in the medical humanitarian area to mark the occasion, the minister said.

A project called "The Belt and Road-Brightness Trip", aimed at providing at least 1,000 Mongolians with free cataract surgery within the next five years, was launched in June, she said.

The minister expressed her gratitude toward strong support from China, saying that she is very happy that Mongolian citizens have been able to reap tangible benefits from China-funded humanitarian activities.

Considering its population growth and a growing prevalence of diseases, Mongolia has made plans to build several new hospitals, including an organ transplant center, a cancer treatment center and a national cardiovascular center, Sarangerel said, adding that Mongolia would like to cooperate with China in the building of these new facilities.

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Chinese embassy makes donation to help disabled children in Mongolia

ULAN BATOR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Embassy in Mongolia on Friday donated 19 million Mongolian tugriks (7,037 U.S. dollars) to disabled children from poor families.

The charity event entitled "Warm Heart," which was held at the Development Center for Disabled Children in the capital, supported a total of 50 Mongolian disabled children with each receiving 380,000 Mongolian tugriks (140.74 dollars).

"China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia," Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming said at the event.

"Today's event is one of the important events to celebrate the anniversary. We always strive to help poor families in Mongolia," he said.

There were 103,600 disabled people in Mongolia at the end of 2018, 11 percent of whom were children, according to data from Mongolian authorities.

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54 Mongolian students receive Chinese scholarships

ULAN BATOR, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-Mongolian Foundation of Culture, Education and Social Development here on Friday offered scholarships to 54 Mongolian students.

The "Dream Star," "Future Star," "Leading Star" and "Special Sponsorship Program" scholarship programs sponsored by the foundation and backed by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and other Chinese institutions and enterprises are meant for students of general education schools and universities in Mongolia.

Around 268 Mongolian students participated in a competition for the programs on Sept. 22.

"I believe that in the near future, the children will contribute to the friendly relations between China and Mongolia and do their due diligence for the development of Mongolia," Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming said at the awards ceremony.

Under the four programs, 54 students each received at least 2,000 yuan (283 U.S. dollars).

"I have been studying Chinese for six years. I will do my best to learn the Chinese language better and achieve my goal of studying medicine in a Chinese university," said Bayar Nandin-Erdene, a 9th-grade student of School No.23 in Ulan Bator, who received the scholarship for the first time.

The foundation has been offering scholarships to Mongolian students since 2014. A total of 574 students in the country have benefited from the four scholarship programs.

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180 Chinese (including Hongkong residents) arrested in Mongolia

Local media reported the arrest of some 180 Chinese citizens, including Hongkong residents by Mongolian police and intelligence agency last night (Oct 29). 

The photos released by the police show hundreds of young men sitting among rows of computers in a large hall and many cell phones lying on the desks. Apparently, these young men were using local SIM cards and social media.

Mongolian social media speculates it could have been clickbait or datamining operation by Chinese digital entrepreneurs or it could have been politically minded youngsters supporting Hongkong protest against Beijing.

As of now, police have not released any information about the arrest.

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China, Mongolia share development goals after 70 years of diplomatic relations

Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia. 

China has promoted the building of a community of shared future for mankind, which is of great significance for the good neighborly cooperation between the two Asian neighbors. 

First, the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, which is aimed at forging partnerships in which countries treat each other as equals, engage in mutual consultation and show mutual understanding, can help increase political trust between China and Mongolia. The concept underscores that large countries should respect each other's core interests and major concerns and treat small countries as equals.

In keeping with the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between China and Mongolia, both sides have agreed to develop good neighborly relations on the basis of mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. The basic principles of China-Mongolia relations are in line with the concept of a community of shared future for mankind. 

Second, the concept of a community of shared future for mankind can bring the two countries closer in terms of security. The concept is committed to promoting common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in the world and safeguarding the international order centered on the UN Charter.

This is in line with Mongolia's security interests and peaceful foreign policy. The country proposed the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue Initiative to provide a mechanism for Northeast Asian countries to promote peaceful dialogue, avoid armed conflicts, enhance mutual trust among Northeast Asian countries and resolve security problems. 

Besides, China and Mongolia will cooperate on combating transnational crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism. 

Third, a community of shared future for mankind helps expand China-Mongolia trade. China is the largest energy consumer in the world and has a huge market, while Mongolia is rich in natural resources, and its domestic market is relatively small. China has huge capital and technology for infrastructure development that Mongolia lacks. As a result, China-Mongolia trade volume and cooperation projects have seen a rise. 

Major projects implemented by China in Mongolia are in accord with the latter's national development strategy and are beneficial to its socioeconomic development. For example, China has built Mongolia's first highway. China has also been passing on experience and technology to Mongolia during projects and helping Mongolia train professionals and skilled workers, which improves Mongolia's ability to develop independently.

Fourth, it can foster people-to-people contacts between the two countries. China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind recognizes and respects the diversity and equality of world civilizations, sees mutual learning among civilizations as an impetus for social development, and promotes inclusiveness and cooperation. It not only grasps the essential feature of social progress, but also shows the power and value of civilizations. It will directly advance people-to-people contacts and cultural communication in the international community. Exchanges between China and Mongolia are of course no exception.

In recent years, there have been frequent cultural exchanges between China and Mongolia. Several cultural events have been organized by the two sides. A growing number of Mongolian students are studying in China, and many Confucius Institutes and Chinese language teaching centers have been set up in Mongolia. 

Fifth, it will boost China-Mongolia ecological cooperation. The community with a shared future for mankind not only is an inter-country model of development and communication, but also represents Chinese people's basic judgment of the relationship between human destiny and ecological civilization.

Linked by mountains and rivers, China and its neighbors face similar environmental problems. So China must join hands with its neighbors to build a global ecosystem and seek a path to sustainable development. This also brings a significant opportunity for Mongolia to promote sustainable development. Roughly three-quarters of Mongolia's land is degraded or suffers from desertification. Guided by the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, the two neighbors can jointly build a green silk road, develop green economy, address climate change, and fight against natural disasters. Specific cooperation projects can be carried out in terms of desertification control, environmental restoration in mining areas, and managing haze. 

To summarize, China's proposal to build a community with a shared future for mankind will guarantee comprehensive cooperation between China and Mongolia. In the future, the two countries should broaden consensus, continue to establish and strengthen partnerships in terms of development initiatives, and further push good neighborly relations to new heights.

The author is an assistant research fellow at the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

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China-Mongolia ties at best moment in history: Chinese ambassador

China-Mongolia relations are at their best moment in history, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming said on Wednesday.

The two countries forged diplomatic relations exactly 70 years ago today. The Chinese ambassador described the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties as a "new starting point."

He noted that the two countries should continue to strengthen their political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, increase mutual understanding between both peoples and support each other in international and regional affairs.

The Chinese ambassador expressed confidence that the two countries can achieve their goal of increasing bilateral trade to 10 billion U.S. dollars by 2020.

China has been Mongolia's biggest trading partner and top export market for many years.

Bilateral trade surpassed eight billion dollars last year, edging closer to the 10-billion-dollar target set for 2020, according to the ambassador.

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China-funded high-voltage power line handed over to Mongolia

MANDALGOVI, Mongolia, Oct.18 (Xinhua) -- A completed China-funded 330 kV power transmission and transformation project in southern Mongolia was on Friday officially handed over to the Mongolian side.

Mongolian Energy Minister Tserenpil Davaasuren and Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming attended the handover ceremony held in Mandalgovi, capital of Dundgovi Province.

Work on the power line started in September 2017.

The 330 kv line is the highest-voltage electricity transmission and transformation line in Mongolia, Davaasuren said.

"We believe that the line will improve the reliability of power supply for major mines in the southern region of Mongolia, including Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, reduce energy costs as well as a reliance on imported electricity and promote local economic and social development," he said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia. Noticing a good momentum in the development of bilateral ties, Xing said, "The China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership has been deepening."

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Chinese embassy in Mongolia holds reception to mark 70th anniversary of PRC founding

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Mongolia on Wednesday hosted a ceremonial reception to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming said that over the past 70 years China has been contributing to world peace and development.

The past 70 years have witnessed the development of China-Mongolia relations featuring mutual benefits and win-win outcome, Xing said, noting that the coordination of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Mongolia's Development Road program has been deepened, and bilateral economic and trade cooperation has been continuously expanded.

Mongolian parliament speaker Gombojav Zandanshatar said at the reception that Mongolia-China relations and cooperation are "at a historic high."

"We will not forget that over the past 70 years, China provided Mongolia with a great amount of aid and soft loans in support of our country's socio-economic development and raising the living standards of our people," he said.

Present at the reception at the Shangri-la Hotel were some 1,000 guests, including Mongolia's government ministers and parliament members, foreign diplomats, representatives of multiple organizations and those of Chinese companies in Mongolia.

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Mongolia intensifies battle against drugs

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has been intensifying its fight against drugs, a senior official of the country's National Police Agency (NPA) said Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, the number of drug-related crimes has been significantly increasing in our country," Jamiyansengee Erdenebold, head of the narcotics department at the NPA, told a press conference.

"We recently started carrying out operations at nightclubs and other suspicious places in the capital city of Ulan Bator to 'hunt' down drug users," said Erdenebold.

The police have arrested 330 people so far this year, the colonel said, adding that 85.4 percent of the offenders are young people aged between 18 and 35.

A total of 193 drug-related criminal cases were registered across Mongolia in 2018, up more than 30 percent from the previous year.

A lack of knowledge about drugs, curiosity, an attempt to make easy money and weak law enforcement are said to be the main factors in the growth of drug-related crimes.

According to Mongolian law, drug-related criminals face prison terms of at least two years. A life sentence or the death penalty do not exist under the country's drug laws. Enditem.

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Chinese embassy donates 100,000 yuan to help Mongolia fight tuberculosis

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Mongolia on Wednesday donated 100,000 yuan (over 14,100 U.S. dollars) to help Mongolia fight tuberculosis (TB).

Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming handed over the fund to a Mongolian foundation called "Enkhrii Erdene" which works to halt the spread of TB.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of both the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia and the founding of the People's Republic of China. Throughout the 70 years, bilateral cooperation between our two countries have expanded in a wide range of areas," Xing told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese side has attached importance to strengthening cooperation in the humanitarian and health sectors.

"The 'Enkhrii Erdene' foundation has been organizing many activities to combat TB. The Chinese side has been paying special attention to support the operations of the foundation," said Xing.

The ambassador expressed hope that the foundation will continue to contribute to the further development of bilateral relations.

"Our foundation has been implementing a project "Together against Tuberculosis -- Mongolia-China Friendship" since March. Today, we are very happy to receive another 100,000 yuan of finance from the Chinese side," Erdenebaatar Enkhriimaa, head of the foundation, told Xinhua.

Enkhriimaa said that the foundation will continue to work as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

The foundation will use the funds in collaboration with the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD).

TB is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium TB bacteria.

The disease, if not treated properly, can lead to death or a compromised immune and especially respiratory system.

In Mongolia, a country with a population of 3.2 million, roughly 4,000 new TB cases are registered annually, the NCCD said.

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Mongolian land ports to undergo renovation with Chinese aid

ZAMIIN-UUD, Mongolia, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A groundbreaking ceremony for the China-funded renovation of two Mongolian land ports was held on Thursday in Zamiin-Uud, a border soum in the southeastern Mongolian province of Dornogovi.

The China-aided project to renovate Mongolia's Zamiin-Uud and Gashuunsukhait ports will lay a solid foundation for the trade volume between the two countries to exceed 10 billion U.S. dollars, said Song Xuejun, commercial counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, at the ceremony.

The Zamiin-Uud port, one of the largest ports in Mongolia, accounts for 40 percent of passengers and 76 percent of passenger vehicles passing through customs, said Sanjaa Narantsogt, state secretary of the Mongolian Ministry of Finance.

"The current port construction and infrastructure cannot meet the growing demand, which leads to difficulties in customs clearance procedures," said Narantsogt.

He said that after renovating the port, the area of the port will increase eightfold, the number of passengers fourfold, the freight volume threefold, and the number of passenger vehicles sevenfold, providing passengers with a smooth customs clearance and comfortable service.

He also stressed that the project will play an important role in Mongolia's foreign trade, economic and regional development, prevent illegal and unqualified goods from transiting, and protect people's rights.

"Facilitating trade is an important part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative," said Song. "Enhancing port construction and customs clearance capability is of great significance to improve trade and investment facilitation and strengthen regional economic competitiveness."

He hoped that the project will become a good example of friendship between the two peoples.

Under the project, all infrastructure facilities of the Zamiin-Uud and Gashuunsukhait ports are expected to be renovated with the non-refundable Chinese aid.

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China launches "Audio-China Global Broadcasting" program in Mongolia

ULAN BATOR, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday launched the "Audio-China Global Broadcasting" program in Mongolia to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The ceremony, co-organized by the Chinese State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, was attended by senior government officials from both countries.

The event also marks the launch of the documentary titled "Xi Jinping's Strategy for Governing the Country: China's five years."

Jiang Jianguo, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in an address that over the past 70 years, China and Mongolia have deepened friendship and cooperation in various fields.

Jiang said the "Audio-China Global Broadcasting" program, which includes 70 latest films and television programs from China, is a gift for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia.

It is also an active effort to promote cultural exchanges between China and Mongolia and deepen the friendship between the two peoples, he added.

"This film will feature China's achievements in the past seven decades and the Chinese drive for a better future," Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar said during his speech at the event.

While addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming said that deepening exchanges and mutual learning is an important way to enhance understanding, consolidate friendship and promote cooperation.

In recent years, the exchanges and cooperation between China and Mongolia in the field of radio and television have become increasingly closer, he said.

The "Audio-China Global Broadcasting" will help increase cultural awareness among Mongolian audiences of her neighbour, he added.

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