Japan, Mongolia agree to further develop bilateral trade ties

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat on Friday reaffirmed their ongoing cooperation in a number of fields and agreed to deepen the countries' bilateral trade partnership.

Abe, according to the Foreign Ministry here, expressed his appreciation to Erdenebat on selecting Japan to be his first official overseas destination since becoming prime minister in July and the pair agreed that the two country's cooperation in renewable energy, environmental affairs and agriculture would continue.

The two leaders also confirmed their intention to solidify bilateral trade relations through the application of the Japan-Mongolia economic partnership agreement.

This refers to Mongolia's inaugural bilateral free trade agreement with Japan that began in June this year.

Erdenebat was quoted as saying that his country views Japan as "a third neighboring country" and, to this end, the enhancement of bilateral ties remains one of the cornerstones of his overseas policy.

Looking ahead, the two leaders also decided to expedite the drafting of the Japan-Mongolia bilateral strategic partnership, a medium-term plan that was decided on in principle when the pair met in Ulan Bator in July.

Abe and Erdenebat also agreed to cooperate on issues pertaining to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as the Mongolian government has diplomatic ties with Pyongyang.

Erdenebat's four-day tour to Japan will conclude Saturday. Endit