Mongolia and China acknowledge border restrictions
On February 14, Speaker of Parliament G.Zandanshatar received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of China Chai Wenrui. The speaker expressed his contentment with Ambassador Chai Wenrui’s appointment, citing his profound knowledge of Mongolia and previous experiences working in the country.
Ambassador Chai Wenrui expressed his appreciation to the speaker of Parliament, and relayed greetings from Chairman Li Zhanshu, the head of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative body. The ambassador conveyed his delight on the continued advancement of MongoliaChina friendly bilateral cooperation on behalf of the Chinese government.
Mongolia and China established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013 after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Ulaanbaatar. Ambassador Chai Wenrui stated the Chinese government is committed to expanding and developing this new level of diplomatic relation between the two countries. The ambassador said he is ready to strictly and responsibly adhere to foreign policies established by both countries during his term, and will enthusiastically cooperate with all relevant organizations. He also commended the events and celebrations jointly organized last year between the countries on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Mongolia-China diplomatic relations and the 25th anniversary of Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation, stating that the events had a substantial positive impact on mutual understanding and recognition between Mongolian and Chinese people.
The Chinese Ambassador stressed the importance of bilateral partnership across all industries, and his prioritization of mutually beneficial economic projects. He expressed his confidence in moving forward with and implementing the free trade convention signed between the two countries.
Speaker G.Zandanshatar forwarded an official greeting to Chairman Li Zhanshu on behalf of the Mongolian government, and reminisced on his participation on the Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013, during which Wenrui was served as Chinese ambassador to Mongolia.
Speaker of Parliament expressed his determination to halt the spread of the new coronavirus and that Mongolia stands with the people of China to fight against this disease, acknowledging the various economic and social predicaments both countries are in as a result of the coronavirus. G.Zandanshatar said he is confident in China’s capability to overcome its current challenges, and briefly explained measures taken by the Mongolian government against the potential spread of the virus in Mongolia, asking the ambassador to understand and acknowledge the reasons behind the new Mongolia-China border arrangements as proposed by Mongolia.
Wenrui responded that President of China Xi Jinping is personally directing the nation’s efforts against the infection, and that Chinese government’s top priority is the wellbeing and health of its people and has since established a comprehensive prevention system. He said the government is succeeding in containing the infection both within local and national boundaries of the country, noting the Chinese government’s transparency on the matter with the international community.
Congratulating the Mongolian government on its successful prevention of the spread of the coronavirus, Wenrui cited the World Health Organization’s positive comments on China’s efforts against the infection, and expressed his firm belief that Mongolia will gradually loosen its border restrictions based on the latest status of the infection.
“On behalf of the people and government of China, we are thankful that Mongolia is united with us [against the infection], and we are sincerely grateful for all the assistance provided by the Mongolian people,” Wenrui said.
The Chinese ambassador said while both Mongolia and China are confronting hardships in trade, economy, transportation and business due to the coronavirus infection, he emphasized cooperation between the countries must not shrink despite these challenges.
G.Zandanshatar expressed his appreciation to the timely and realistic updates of the infection status in China, and noted the significance of Ambassador Chai Wenrui’s appointment to the post during this difficult time and wished him good fortune in his endeavors.