Photo: VCG

China and Mongolia expect to strengthen cooperation in epidemic prevention and control and resolutely block the cross-border spread of COVID-19, according to a meeting between the diplomats of the two countries on Thursday. 

The Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, Liu Jinsong, met with Mongolian Ambassador to China Tuvshin Badral on Thursday to exchange opinions on China-Mongolia relations, cooperation on the fight against COVID-19 and international and regional issues of mutual interest. 

China attaches great importance to its relations with Mongolia as the two nations are friendly neighbors with a shared future, Liu noted, adding that the frequent high-level exchanges between the two nations this year have led to a sound momentum of development in bilateral relations. 

It is expected that the two nations will actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and push forward a better development of bilateral relations. 

Since the pandemic situation across the world is still complex and severe, China persists in taking strict measures to prevent imported cases that cause flareups at home. 

"It is expected that China and Mongolia will strengthen cooperation, meet each other halfway, earnestly implement prevention and control measures and resolutely block cross-border spread of the virus," Liu said, noting that China is willing to cooperate with Mongolia in the fight against COVID-19 and provide help to develop the economy and improve the people's livelihood in Mongolia. 

Mongolia also attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to deepen friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, Badral said, noting that Mongolia is deeply grateful for the support from China in alleviating problems in Mongolia and fighting against the epidemic. 

Mongolia is ready to take strict and effective measures and adhere to standards to work with China in epidemic prevention, in addition to ensure the safe and stable operation of the ports in both countries.