Mongolia always considers its neighboring countries the priority of its foreign policy, the Mongolian ambassador to China said as his president touched down in Beijing yesterday at the start of a weeklong state-visit.

Newly appointed ambassador Galsan Batsukh said China and Mongolia had increased trade and economic cooperation in recent years and wanted to strengthen their relations on a wider range of issues.

Mongolian President Nambar Enkhbayar expressed the same desire before his trip to China, saying Mongolia attaches importance to ties with China.

Enkhbayar is scheduled to hold talks with President Hu Jintao today and the two leaders will witness the signing of several agreements covering the fields of transportation, energy, education and scientific research.

Enkhbayar has chosen China as his first foreign destination since taking office in July, a testament to Mongolia's determination to further bilateral ties.

A delegation of Mongolian entrepreneurs is accompanying the president and will meet Chinese business people in the hope of attracting more Chinese investment.

Enkhbayar will attend an education forum held today and deliver a key-note speech as Mongolia is one of the initiators of the Education for All project.

China is Mongolia's largest trading partner and investor, said the ambassador.

(China Daily November 28, 2005)