Chinese Vice-premier Wen Jiabao met Monday afternoon with visiting Mongolian Defense Minister Jugderdemidiin Gurragchaa, and his party.

Wen said that China and Mongolia are neighborly countries with a 4,600-kilometer-long border, and the two countries have enjoyed traditional friendship.

The Sino-Mongolian relations have been developing smoothly in recent years, especially since the two heads of states exchanged visits in 1998, which upgrades the bilateral relations to a new stage.

He said that China and Mongolia are economically complimentary, and should further their cooperation. He believes that Sino- Mongolian relations, based on the principles of long-term stability, friendliness and mutual trust, will be further promoted with the joint efforts of the two sides.

Gurragchaa said that Mongolia and China have maintained contacts in all fields. Mongolia has attached importance to developing relations with China, and believes the visit would help promote the cooperation between the two states and armed forces.

(Xinhua 06/11/2001)