Official visit takes bilateral relationship to new level

It has been exactly one year since Dr Galsan Batsukh took up the post as Mongolian Ambassador to China. Summarizing his first year in China, the ambassador has had some unforgettable experiences and is looking forward to an even brighter future.

"I am quite satisfied with the current level of co-operation between Mongolia and China and highly appreciate the kind support and attention on the part of the Government of China to further enhance good neighbourly relations with Mongolia on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Batsukh told China Daily this week in an exclusive interview.

Currently Mongolia and China are enjoying comprehensive and co-operative ties for mutual benefits and are conducting exchanges in the fields of trade and economy, culture, science and technology, as well as education and tourism.

"I am confident that the current official visit of His Excellency Mr. M. Enkhbold, Prime Minister of Mongolia, will further promote trade and economic relations between Mongolia and China," said the ambassador.

President of Mongolia N. Enkhbayar visited China in 2005. This year the leaders of the two countries also met in May in Shanghai and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral co-operation and agreed to further strengthen co-operation between parliaments, governments and political parties of the two countries.

Both leaders also agreed to boost economic co-operation, especially in the fields of mineral resources and infrastructure development and enhance co-operation in the fields of culture, tourism, youth exchange and environmental protection.

"We also witnessed other high-level meetings between leaders of parliaments and parties this year," said Batsukh, referring to talks between Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi and her Mongolian counterpart M. Enkhsaikhan on the sidelines of the Northeast Asia Economic Forum in Jilin, and last summer's visit to Mongolia by Xu Kuangdi, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

These visits are delivering an invaluable boost and support to the development of co-operation in all sectors, he said.

Cultural and economic exchanges

Both Mongolia and China are countries with a long history of civilization. The two countries are conducting cultural exchanges and co-operation through many channels and tiers, and in various forms.

"Our two nations are good neighbours and close friends. Culture and arts develops stronger ties. It helps to promote mutual understanding, trust and respect. Therefore, the Mongolian Government pays great attention to culture and art exchanges," Batsukh said.

This year the embassy organized a photo exhibition titled "Mongolia Today" in Beijing and Urumqi in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"Currently we are discussing possibilities of opening cultural centres in each other's capital," Batsukh said.

The embassy is working hard to facilitate all forms of co-operation. The embassy's goal is to establish a good working mechanism between government departments and agencies, as well as industries, according to the ambassador.

The embassy, through its trade and economic section as well as the tourism centre, is distributing information on Mongolian companies seeking partners for co-operation with Chinese counterparts and vice versa, and assisting them to organize bilateral meetings and encourage discussions.

Exports to China account for 72 per cent of Mongolia's total exports. The statistics show that during the first nine months of 2006 the trade volume between Mongolia and China reached for the first time the US$1 billion benchmark.

Compared with the same period of the previous year, the export volume to China has increased by 226.3 per cent and imports from China by 136 per cent. China has invested US$682.8 million in Mongolia, accounting for 47.4 per cent of total foreign investment in Mongolia.

"The two economies are complementary. China's rapid development provides chances for Mongolia's economic growth," said Batsukh, adding that China is a huge market for Mongolian natural and agricultural resources and the geographical proximity gives further advantages for both sides for mutually beneficial co-operation.

Mongolia's mineral resources such as gold, copper, uranium, coal, molybdenum, phosphor and oil are in high demand in China. Mongolia needs much investment in those fields and in developing infrastructure and processing industries in which China could make a substantial contribution.

Mongolia and China share a common borderline of about 4,700 kilometres. Currently 13 ports are operating along the border, six of them operate all year round and the rest operate on a seasonal basis.

Tourism booming

The ambassador also invites more Chinese people to travel to Mongolia, an exotic and peaceful destination with hospitable people, which is pleasant for foreign travellers.

"It is a safe and peaceful destination. It has huge potential for ecological, historical and cultural tourism development," Batsukh said.

Source: China Daily