TS.ELBEGDORJ MEETS VICE PREMIER OF CHINA

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ The President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj met on Thursday with Li Keqiang, the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China to discuss the expansion of bilateral cooperation, during the 12th meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It was reported by www.crienglish.com, a local website of China. The development of China-Mongolia relations remains sound, Li said, adding that the two countries' establishment of a strategic partnership last year has raised bilateral relations to a new level. "China and Mongolia should strengthen cooperation while adhering to a strategy of mutual benefit and common development and abiding by market principles," Li said. Cooperation in major projects related to energy, mineral resources and infrastructure should be expanded between the two countries, and cooperation in environmental protection should be improved, Li said. China is willing to boost political trust with Mongolia and treat the country with respect and equity, Li said. In turn, the President Elbegdorj said Mongolia regards the development of its relations with China as one of its primary foreign policies, adding that the current state of Mongolia-China relations have reached an "unprecedented level." He said both countries have significant potential for cooperation, and added Mongolia is willing to boost high-level contacts with China and strengthen cooperation in fields related to investment, infrastructure and the prevention of desertification. Elbegdorj stressed that the both sides will promote exchanges among their peoples to lay a more firm foundation for the future development of Mongolia-China relations. The same day, the President of the PRC Hu Jintao held talks with Ts. Elbegdorj. B.Khuder