President Xi's visit to enhance China-Mongolia ties
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E-mail CRI, August 19, 2014
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a two-day visit to neighboring Mongolia, starting Thursday.
China's Foreign Ministry says Xi Jinping will meet with the Mongolian President and other leaders, deliver a speech at Mongolia's parliament, and attend economic and trade activities. The two sides will also sign a series of cooperative agreements in politics, economy, finance, culture and other fields.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Mongolia.
The Mongolian ambassador to China, Ts. Sukhbaatar, is describing President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties.
"President Xi's visit will further the strategic partnership between China and Mongolia and expand economic and trade cooperation. It is of great significance in the history of China-Mongolia relations. The visit is also going to promote peace and stability in the Asian-Pacific region. China-Mongolia relations should serve as a role model for neighborly relations."
A series of deals are expected to be signed covering different areas, including energy, infrastructure and port access for Mongolia.
A deal is said to be close which will allow Mongolia to use several Chinese ports for imports and exports, as Mongolia is land-locked.
Ambassador Sukhbattar says China plays an important role in stimulating economic growth in Mongonlia.
"While the global economy is in a downturn now, China is still maintaining sound development. This provides great opportunities for the Mongolian economy. China is the largest importer of Mongolian coal, copper and iron ore. Due to market fluctuations, Mongolia is suffering through low coal exporting prices. But China and Mongolia are actively working on solutions. I believe we can get this over in time. "
China and Mongolia are linked both economically and historically.
China has been Mongolia's largest trading partner and investor for over a decade.
The two countries signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement last year.
Mongolia, though a separate country now, had been either part of China or a vassal state since the Yuan Dynasty, which began in the late 13th century.
Mongolia was also one of the first countries to set diplomatic ties when the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949.
