Li's Ulan Bator tour gives a push to cooperation
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, July 14. |
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid an official visit to next-door neighbor Mongolia from July 13 to 14. He also attended the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator from July 15 to 16, putting forward China's proposals for boosting dialogue and cooperation between the two continents.
Cementing bilateral ties
In a signed article published by Mongolia's major news outlets ahead of the visit, Li lauded China-Mongolia relations as being the "best ever" in history. This is Li's first trip to Mongolia since he took office in 2013 and the first official visit by a Chinese premier to the country in six years.
During talks with his Mongolian counterpart Jargaltulga Erdenebat, Li said China will work with Mongolia's new government in continued efforts to consolidate mutual trust in politics and to maintain exchanges between high-level officials so as to deepen cooperation in all respects.
China stands ready to dovetail its Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Steppe Road program, said Li, adding that his country is also willing to start a feasibility study on a free trade pact with Mongolia.
Moreover, China wishes to make further progress with Mongolia in such fields as the processing of farm and pasture products, housing and infrastructure. He also suggested that both sides strengthen financial cooperation and expand currency-swap scale in order to enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Following the talks, Erdenebat and Li witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation agreements ranging from trade and infrastructure to radio and TV broadcasting.
For years, China has been Mongolia's largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment.
Strengthening inter-regional cooperation
With the theme of "partnership for the future through connectivity," this year marks the 20th anniversary of the ASEM Summit.
"As the ASEM enters its third decade, all members should bear in mind the mission of building a new type of comprehensive partnership," Li said in a keynote speech at the summit.
He called for an innovative approach to Asia-Europe cooperation, urging all parties to share the idea of a community of common destiny and to conduct dialogue and further cooperation.
The premier also called for concerted efforts to create new cooperation methods. Cooperation between Asia and Europe should be guided in a more pragmatic direction and economic and trade cooperation in particular should be enhanced, he said.
He pointed out that China's Belt and Road Initiative is receiving a very positive response from an increasing number of countries.
In addition, Li called for the establishment of a stronger foundation for people-to-people cooperation between Asia and Europe, pointing out that more dialogue is needed between different civilizations.
Winning support on thorny issue
In response to certain nations' attempts to stir up tension and interfere in the South China Sea issue in the summit, Li expounded China's stance of non-acceptance of and non-participation in the arbitration proceedings at an informal meeting.
He stated that China remains committed to settling the South China Sea disputes via dialogue and consultation with countries directly involved on the basis of historical facts and in accordance with international law, so as to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Vietnamese Prime Minister said his nation respects China's stance on the arbitration, adding that the disputes should be solved peacefully through negotiations.
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith noted that Laos supports China's stance over the South China Sea issue and stands ready to work with China to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen echoed that his country supports a settlement of the South China Sea disputes through dialogue and consultation between countries directly concerned.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also said that Russia supports China's principles on resolving the disputes and opposes the internationalization of the South China Sea disputes or any interference from forces outside the region.
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