Russia-China-Mongolia move towards building trilateral economic corridor

At the first Russia-China-Mongolia summit, held within the framework of the 14th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj supported the proposal to establish an economic corridor connecting the three neighboring countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the project would link China's Silk Road economic belt initiative, Russia's intercontinental railway system and Mongolia's Steppe Road program. Implementation of the project would include developing cross-border transport, simplifying transportation operations, as well as studying the feasibility of building an energy system between the three countries.

Leaders of Russia, China and Mongolia at the summit. (Source: Xinhua)

Mr. Xi Jinping also pointed out favorable opportunities for the three countries to strengthen cooperation in the fields of tourism, policy consultation, media, environmental protection, warning and dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.

For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the close geographical location allows Russia, Mongolia and China to carry out effective long-term projects in the fields of infrastructure, energy and mining.

Mr. Putin also agreed that establishing trilateral contacts like in Dushanbe is very "important, useful and targeted." He also called on the three countries in particular and the parties supporting a multipolar world in general to coordinate efforts to ensure security and stability in the region.

In response, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj affirmed that Ulan-Bator attaches special importance to developing close neighborly relations and cooperation with China and Russia. This has been demonstrated through recent visits to Mongolia by the heads of the two countries, and the areas of cooperation that the steppe country wishes to develop are transnational and transcontinental transport infrastructure.

At the meeting, the three heads of state also decided to establish a consultation mechanism at the deputy foreign minister level to coordinate actions and promote trilateral cooperation initiatives. Specifically, in 2015, the heads of state of China and Mongolia were invited to Moscow to attend the 70th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

The three leaders also agreed that the trilateral summit will continue when necessary./.

According to VNA