Wang: China offers support and help to Mongolia

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing will help Mongolia overcome its economic difficulties, and he announced a slew of measures to aid the debt-ridden neighbor.

The measures include gearing up the implementation of non-reimbursable assistance to Mongolia and considering extending the bilateral currency swap deal, Wang told a media conference in Beijing on Monday after meeting with his Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil.

On Sunday, Mongolia agreed to implement an economic rescue package proposed by the International Monetary Fund and refinance bond loans, easing concerns that it might default in March, Xinhua reported.

China supports aid given by international financial institutions to Mongolia, and it will also consider Mongolia's wishes to expand its exports of minerals, agriculture and husbandry products to China, Wang said.

The pledges were offered as the relationship emerges from a tense period.

In November, Mongolia angered China by allowing the visit of the secessionist 14th Dalai Lama, who has worked on separating Tibet from China.

In January, the two senior diplomats had a phone call, and Wang said Mongolia reflected deeply upon the Dalai's trip and promised no such further occurrences.

Wang said on Monday the relationship "has already got things packed and is ready for another start".