BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga exchanged New Year congratulations on Wednesday, pledging to enhance their countries' cooperation.

In his message, Xi said that 2019 witnessed significant progress in China-Mongolia relations, with the two sides marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and achieving fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

He recalled that when Battulga paid a state visit to China and attended the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last April, they had in-depth exchange of views and reached important consensus, providing important political guidance for bilateral relations.

Stressing that he attaches great importance to China-Mongolia relations, Xi pledged to work with Battulga to push for new progress in the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to benefit the two countries and their peoples.

For his part, Battulga recalled that in 2019 Mongolia and China held grand celebrations for the historic year of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, adding that through joint efforts of the two peoples, the Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership has achieved all-round development.

As permanent neighbors, Mongolia and China have always been committed to regional security and development while respecting each other's development path as well as interests and concerns, Battulga said.

He said he stands ready to maintain close cooperation with Xi and wishes China prosperity and progress.

(Source: Xinhua)