President Xi Jinping's visit brings upgrade in ties with Mongolia
Joint declaration of comprehensive strategic partnership agreed as Xi Jinping signs deals to boost business ties during two-day state visit
President Xi Jinping and his Mongolian counterpart, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, signed a joint declaration yesterday to upgrade the bilateral ties of the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The two leaders also oversaw the signing of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in sectors, including infrastructure, economics, and energy, Chinese state media reported. Mongolia would also be allowed to use sea ports in north and northeast China, Xinhua said.
Previously, China's resource-rich neighbour was simply China's strategic partner.
Xi arrived in Ulan Bator yesterday morning for a two-day state visit to Mongolia. Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag and Foreign Minister Luvsanvandan Bold greeted Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan at the airport in the rain.
During yesterday's meeting with the Mongolian president, Xi said China was keen to boost the cross-border transport and cooperation in mining and new energy sectors with Mongolia.
"I hope China and Mongolia will become close neighbours and friends with mutual trust," state media quoted Xi as saying.