国内英语新闻:China, Mongolia hold 9th defense consultation

ULAN BATOR, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Ninth Sino-Mongolian Defense and Security Consultation was held here Tuesday, focusing on exchanges of views on military cooperation between the two countries.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, and Bat-Ochir Batsaikhan, state secretary of Mongolia's Ministry of Defense.

Both sides exchanged views on relations and practical cooperation between the two militaries, the regional security situation and other issues of common concern.

Sun said that the two countries are good friends that share a long border and that the Chinese military will maintain high-level contacts with the Mongolian side, and strengthen cooperation with Mongolia in military training, peacekeeping and border defense.

Batsaikhan expressed satisfaction with the smooth development of bilateral relations and the continuous progress made in practical military cooperation between the two countries. He said he expected more communication and contacts between the two militaries.

Both sides agreed that the Sino-Mongolian Defense and Security Consultation mechanism plays an important role in enhancing strategic communication and practical cooperation, and will contribute to safeguarding regional security.

Mongolian Defense Minister Badmaanyambuugiin Bat-Erdene and Dulamsurengiin Davaa, chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, also met with Sun on Tuesday.