Shen Minjyuan
“This year, the Tsagaan Sar festival in Mongolia coincides with the Chinese Spring Festival with only a one-day difference, and soon both countries will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse!” — reports MiddleAsianNews, citing the words of the Chinese ambassador in Ulaanbaatar.
The horse is considered a symbol of bravery, intelligence, and endurance. The onset of the Year of the Fire Horse, which occurs once every 60 years, signifies hope for bold progress and a striving for the future in both cultures — Chinese and Mongolian.
With the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse, I sincerely hope for the rapid development of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mongolia, wishing for the successful achievement of all set goals! I congratulate all Mongolian friends on a prosperous year, good health, and happiness!
Over the past year, the strategic partnership between China and Mongolia has deepened significantly, and cooperation in all areas has yielded impressive results. In the context of an unstable international situation, trade between the two countries demonstrates remarkable stability and potential for further growth.
Allow me to outline three main expectations regarding the future of Chinese-Mongolian relations in the Year of the Fire Horse.
First of all, it is important to strengthen strategic coordination. This year marks the first anniversary of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Mongolia's new five-year development plan. Both plans are interconnected, and there is hope for mutually beneficial cooperation. Next month, the 15th Five-Year Plan will be discussed and approved at the National People's Congress, which also includes specific proposals for Mongolia. We urge our Mongolian partners to pay attention to this.
Secondly, it is necessary to actively promote cooperation projects.
Last year, China and Mongolia achieved significant successes in implementing major projects:
Construction of the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait cross-border railway, which became the second such railway in 70 years;
Launch of the construction of the Erdeneburen hydropower station, which will provide electricity to thousands of households in the west;
Completion of the housing reconstruction project for 1008 families in the ger district;
This year, the launch of a sports complex dedicated to the heads of state of both countries is planned.
The Chinese side is ready for active cooperation with Mongolia for the successful implementation of joint projects and further advancement of modern construction.
Thirdly, attention must be paid to improving the living conditions of citizens. I was pleased to invite Mongolian friends who were receiving treatment in China to a recent reception for the Spring Festival. Seeing their successful recovery after surgeries was a great joy for me. China will continue to support Mongolian citizens in need of medical assistance.
I also visited a home in the ger district, where I was told how the new solar heating system has improved the quality of life. With the support of China, more than 500 families have been able to live in such comfortable conditions.
In addition, China is actively cooperating with the UN to improve the adaptation of herders to climate change, enhance soil management skills, and improve sanitary conditions for girls, contributing to Mongolia's achievement of sustainable development goals.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all sectors of Mongolia for their continued support of my work.
I will continue to fulfill my mission of strengthening a community with a shared future for China and Mongolia, making every effort to achieve successful outcomes in bilateral relations.
