Mongolian president lays stress on improving bilateral ties with India

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj who arrived on four-day state visit to India, on Monday stressed on the need for strengthening bilateral relations with India.

Elbegdorj was received by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Talking to reporters, President Elbegdorj said his visit would emphasise on developing the bilateral relationship between both countries.

"This visit will give emphasis to the development of our bilateral relations in many different avenues and prospects and we do believe to elevate our relationships to a newer level," he added.

Elbegdorj will hold talks with Dr. Singh, which will include a focus on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

On Tuesday, he will visit Agra, Gaya and Mumbai. On Wednesday, he is expected to meet and interact with captains of Indian industry in Mumbai and is likely to pitch Mongolia as an attractive investment destination. He will leave for Mongolian capital Ulan Batter the same evening.

The governments of the two countries are expected to sign a civil nuclear agreement, besides ink bilateral pacts on health and statistics. India may also sanction a stabilization loan to Mongolia.

This is President Elbegdorj's first official visit abroad after assuming office in June 2009, indicating the importance that Mongolia attaches to its relations with India.

Elbegdorj is being accompanied by a 25-member Mongolian business high-level official delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister of Education, Science and Culture and senior parliamentarians. (ANI)