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ULAN BATOR, Aug. 24-- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday that China and Mongolia have reached consensus on expanding bilateral relations and cooperation. Making the announcement at a joint press conference with Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar, Wang said China appreciates the new Mongolian government's more clear-cut and resolute policy toward China. Wang said the purpose of his visit is to have an in-depth exchange of views with the Mongolian side and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both sides. To enrich the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, both sides should enhance political mutual trust and support, Wang said, adding that the two countries should closely work on developing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The visiting Chinese foreign minister said both sides agreed to respect each other's core interests and jointly safeguard the political foundation of China-Mongolia relations. The Mongolian side reaffirmed their firm adherence to the one-China policy and agreed that both Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of the Chinese territory, he said. For China, it promises, as always, to respect Mongolia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the Mongolian people's independent choice of their development path in line with their national conditions, Wang said. China and Mongolia agreed to maintain high-level exchanges. Wang said China welcomes Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga to pay a state visit next year. He invited Tsogtbaatar to visit China at an appropriate time next year. | 
