WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department on Thursday released a joint statement that outlines the plan of the United States and Mongolia to expand their partnership.
Released on the occasion of the official visit of Mongolian Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to the United States, the statement read that the two nations "declared that their bilateral relationship had reached a new level of expanded comprehensive partnership."
The two sides vowed to enhance cooperation in such areas as regional and global security, economy and people-to-people exchange.
In terms of security, both sides reaffirmed the importance of "the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK, and pledged to continue cooperation and information sharing to ensure the full implementation of all UN Security Council resolutions."
On economy, the two nations expressed their intent to take positive and effective measures to expand their economic, trade, and investment relationship, noting with approval the completion of the "Roadmap for Expanded Economic Partnership between the United States of America and Mongolia."
Both sides welcomed the signing of Mongolia's second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, which will support vital improvements to infrastructure supplying water to Ulan Bator, according to the statement.
"Mongolia expressed support for further cooperation on developing its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regimes, and reiterated the country's commitment to fulfilling its commitments as part of its IMF program," the statement said.
Regarding the people-to-people exchange, the two sides committed to exploring "avenues through which to deepen cooperation in securing and expanding religious freedom," and broadening educational programs through public-private partnerships, such as an English language teaching programs.
"With the view of deepening these ties, Mongolia and the United States agreed to announce 2019 as the 'U.S.-Mongolia Youth Year'," the document read.
According to a schedule released by the State Department earlier on Wednesday, Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, was set to meet with Khurelsukh Ukhnaa early on Thursday. No readout of the meeting has been released yet.
