China and Mongolia renewed their commitment to sustain the countries' traditional friendship. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's two-day trip to Mongolia has fostered the country's cooperation with its northern neighbor -- from boosting the synergy of their development plans to initiating agriculture and infrastructure ventures, China Daily reported.
Li, along with his Mongolian counterpart Jargaltulga Erdenebat, agreed to carry out partnership in key areas by speeding up the "dovetailing of China's Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Steppe Road Program."
First proposed in 2013, the Belt and Road initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping focuses on the promotion of policy coordination, cultural exchanges, infrastructure connectivity and trade and financial integration across Asia, Europe and Africa.
Meanwhile, the Steppe Road plan is an infrastructure project aimed at driving the economic growth of Mongolia by boosting trans-border transportation.
During Li's visit, he also presented a feasibility study on a free-trade area (FTA), eyed to be established as early as possible. The proposal received positive remarks from the Mongolian government as Erdenebat noted that the nation welcomes Chinese investors.
Erdenebat, a recently-appointed prime minister, further remarked that the new Mongolian government promises to renew its commitment of sustaining its traditional friendship with China.
With the enhanced cooperation, Li is hopeful that the two countries could work hand in hand to make breakthrough projects in various aspects like agriculture and infrastructure for the residents of Mongolia.
"This will give full display to Mongolia's advantage in animal husbandry, and also satisfy the rising demands for meat and related products in China," Li remarked.
The Chinese premier noted that housing projects will be beneficial in improving Mongolians' living conditions while catering to Chinese building suppliers.
Apart from this, the two premiers also inked 15 agreements in different areas including technology, trade and TV and broadcast services.
Nonetheless, Gao Shumao, China's former envoy to Mongolia, noted that the implementation of these documents "should be speeded up," as these are exciting points of cooperation for the two Asian nations.
Mongolia is the host of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit.
