Mongolia, S. Korea to boost bilateral ties to strategic partnership

Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh met here on Tuesday with his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Nak-yon to discuss ways to boost bilateral ties and cooperation, according to a statement from the government press office of Mongolia.

During the talks, the two prime ministers agreed to widely celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Mongolia-South Korea diplomatic relationship in 2020, in order to jointly upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, the statement said.

In addition, both sides agreed to prepare for mutual visits of the two countries' heads of state on the occasion of the anniversary, it said.

"I am confident that Lee's visit will contribute greatly to raise bilateral ties to a new level and to push forward the friendly relations between the two peoples," Khurelsukh said during the talks, asking the South Korean side to make more efforts to intensify joint projects directed at improving air quality in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator.

The prime ministers also exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, health and consular services.

Lee arrived in Mongolia Monday evening on a three-day official visit.

Relations between Mongolia and South Korea have constantly improved since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.