Mongolia, Russia pledge to further boost partnership

Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj and visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a series of agreements on Tuesday to boost cooperation in uranium mining, transport and elections.

The agreements were described as a "manifesto to boost the strategic partnership."

The two sides signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint company to exploit uranium deposits in Mongolia and memorandums on cooperation between the two governments' railway authorities and central election committees.

The two presidents said at a press conference they would expand economic cooperation to further deepen the bilateral relationship.

Elbegdorj said the talks with Medvedev covered cooperation in politics, economy and humanitarianism.

He said Mongolian-Russian ties were important among Mongolia's foreign relations and enjoyed smooth development in recent years.

The regular high-level exchanges created a benign environment for the development between Mongolia and Russia and Medvedev's visit would contribute to further boosting of bilateral ties.

Medvedev said the visit was aimed at reforming the relationship between the two countries, adding that the agreements would add new elements to the bilateral ties.

The two countries had great potential to enrich the cooperation and relationship, Medvedev said.

Medvedev arrived here on Tuesday for a two-day visit. This is the second high-level exchange this year after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia in May.

In 2006, Mongolia and Russia decided to boost cooperation with the principle of strategic partnership.