Chinese FM holds talks with Mongolian counterpart

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg in Beijing on Monday.

Noting that China and Mongolia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, Qin said that China stands ready to work with Mongolia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, pursue mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and enhance political mutual trust and friendship between the two peoples.

Qin expressed China's willingness to further synergize the development strategies of both countries, promote the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and improve cooperation on mining and interconnectivity and other areas to build a China-Mongolia community with a shared future featuring peaceful coexistence, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation.

Battsetseg said that the Mongolian side abides by the one-China principle, adding that the country believes that the Taiwan question and issues concerning Hong Kong and Xinjiang are purely China's internal affairs.

Mongolia appreciates and supports China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, Battsetseg said, adding that Mongolia is willing to deepen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation with China, and make bilateral ties a model for the region.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on sandstorm prevention and control, and jointly promote sustainable development. They also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.