Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked Mongolia for vouching for India's permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, adding that India has decided to take the partnership between the two nations from a 'comprehensive' to a 'strategic' one.
"I conveyed India's sincere appreciation for Mongolia's strong support for India's permanent membership of United Nations Security Council. In a reflection of our commitment to further deepen our relationship, we have decided to upgrade our comprehensive partnership to 'strategic partnership'. We also agreed to renew our treaty of friendly relations and cooperation," Prime Minister Modi said, after he and his Mongolian counterpart Chimed Saikhanbileg witnessed the signing of 14 agreements between the two nations.
"I conveyed to Prime Minister [Saikhanbileg] that we greatly value our international partnership, which is based on our friendship, shared spiritual heritage and democratic values. These also provide solid foundation for our cooperation in our region," he added.
He further said that it was a great honour for him to be the first Prime Minister of India to visit Mongolia.
"I am delighted to visit Mongolia. It is a great honour to be the first prime minister of India to do so. It is a special privilege to come on the occasion of two important milestones that unite us - 25 years of democracy in Mongolia and 60 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries," said Prime Minister Modi.
"I am deeply grateful for your welcome and hospitality that have touched our hearts. You have embraced us with unlimited generosity and warmth of a true friend. Your Parliament's decision to host me on a Sunday is a remarkable gesture of honour for India," he added.
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"I could not have started my visit in a better way. It began with a visit to the historic Gandan Monastery, where I handed over a sapling of the Mahabodhi Tree. This is a token of friendship from the people of India. I am here in respect and appreciation for our timeless kinship. You have called us your spiritual neighbour and third neighbour. We will always fulfil the responsibility that comes with this honour," he further said.
Prime Minister Modi also said that the destinies of India and Mongolia are closely linked with the future of the Asia-Pacific region
"Today, Mongolia is also an integral part of India's Act East Policy. The destinies of India and Mongolia are closely linked with the future of Asia-Pacific region. We can work together to help advance peace, stability and prosperity in this region. So, I am also here in commitment to our shared responsibility to our region," he said.
"Prime Minister Saikhanbileg has spoken eloquently about the relationship and our meeting today. I will have the honour to speak about our vision in the Parliament a little later. I was very pleased with my discussions with Prime Minister today. We have strong convergence of views on bilateral relations and our regional and international partnership," he added.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi said that India is looking forward to take its economic relationship with Mongolia to a new level.
"The agreements that we have just signed speak to the depth of the relationship. These cover economic relations, development partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people contacts. We will take our economic partnership to a new level. Today, I am pleased to announce that India will provide a line of credit of USD one billion to support expansion of Mongolia's economic capacity and infrastructure," he said.
"Supporting development of human resources is the best way to secure a nation's development. We reiterated our commitment to continue our efforts in Mongolia. India will increase the ITEC training slots for Mongolia from 150 to 200. We will also establish an India-Mongolia Joint School," he added.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Gandantegchinlen monastery in the city, where he interacted with the Hamba Lama and gifted him a sapling of a Bodhi tree.
This was followed by a ceremonial welcome that was accorded to him at the Mongolian State Palace at the Chinggis Khaan Square, where he also signed the guestbook.
Prime Minister Modi is later scheduled to address the Mongolian Parliament, the first foreign leader to address the members on Sunday, a holiday. He will also call on Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and will lay the foundation stone of the IT centre at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday night, is the first Indian prime minister to visit Mongolia.