Chi, also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that, as good neighbors, the people of China and Mongolia and their armed forces have enjoyed traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

China values its cooperation and exchanges with Mongolia in a range of fields, he added.

The long-term, stable and healthy cooperative relationship of mutual trust between the two countries forged by President Jiang Zemin and his Mongolian counterpart President Nachagyn Bagabandy has evolved in a deep-going way, he said.

China appreciates the Mongolian government's adherence to the one-China policy, he said, adding it hopes that Mongolia will continue to support the great cause of its peaceful reunification.

Meanwhile, he briefed the guests on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Baasankhuu said Mongolia's relationship with China is designated as a primary objective of its foreign policy and that the military relations between the two sides represent a vital component of overall bilateral ties.

Since the 1990s, the military relations between the two countries have embarked onto the track of active development, with a frequent exchange of high-level visits and extensive contacts in various areas, he said.

Baasankhuu expressed the hope that his current visit would further strengthen the friendly military ties between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2002)