A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said Friday that the six-decade China-Mongolia relationship was characterized by friendship and cooperation.

As neighbors, China and Mongolia share a 4,700-kilometer-long border and their friendship brings substantial benefits to both peoples, said He Guoqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj. The Chinese leader was in Ulan Bator for a three-day visit as China and Mongolia celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Noting that relations between the two countries have reached an all-time high, He said both parties should cherish the opportunity to advance their ties.

To that end, He said both sides should enhance political trust, expand cooperation in economy and trade, increase exchanges and maintain close contact on international affairs.

With joint efforts by both sides, the China-Mongolia good-neighborly partnership of mutual trust will definitely usher in a new era, He said.

Elbegdorj agreed on He's proposals for developing bilateral ties, saying that it is Mongolia's unswerving policy to advance relations and cooperation with China.

The president said a series of events jointly held by both sides to celebrate the anniversary and He's visit would boost bilateral ties.

Elbegdorj also reaffirmed Mongolia's steadfast adherence to the one-China policy and firm support for China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet.

In a key-note speech at a welcome conference earlier Friday, He said six decades of bilateral relations shows that the respect for each nation's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as path of development is the political prerequisite for China-Mongolia friendly cooperation.

The eternal source for China-Mongolia friendship lies in commitment from both sides to expand and deepen bilateral relations, He said.

Seeking mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity has given a lasting impetus to developing bilateral relations, he said, adding that mutual understanding between peoples of the two countries constitutes the social foundation for bilateral cooperation.

He also said China and Mongolia should identify favorable conditions and positive factors during the ongoing global economic crisis.

Both countries, He said, should join hands to take effective measures so as to promote economic development and social stability.

He left Ulan Bator on Saturday, concluding his four-nation visit to Egypt, Spain, Jordan and Mongolia.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2009)