Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in Beijing Friday that China will adopt a long-term policy to Mongolia as a good friend, neighbor and partner.  

Zeng said the new Chinese leadership valued friendly and cooperative ties with Mongolia and would respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respect the development path chosen by the Mongolian people.

He said the two countries with compatible economic structures, enjoyed great potential in economic cooperation, in particular in resource development and infrastructure construction.

Erdenechuluun said the Mongolian government made the development of ties with China a priority of its foreign policy. High-level exchanges had progressed well in the new year following Chinese President Hu Jintao's Mongolia tour, he said.

He said the Mongolian government firmly adhered to the one-China policy on Taiwan and supported the stance of China on Tibet.

Erdenechuluun is here for a seven-day official visit as guest of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2004)