Japan, Mongolia, U.S. to Start Policy Dialogue

Ulan Bator, March 30 (Jiji Press)--Japanese and Mongolian leaders Saturday agreed that their two countries plus the United States will start policy dialogue among them to reinforce political and security cooperation. The agreement was reached when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe separately met with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Norovyn Altankhuyag in Ulan Bator. The two countries announced a package of initiatives to strengthen their strategic partnership, including cooperation in natural resources development projects in Mongolia such as the development of the country's giant Tavan Tolgoi coalfield. The Japanese and Mongolian leaders also agreed to promote talks on a bilateral economic partnership agreement. The two sides agreed that Japan and Mongolia will continue to attach importance to democracy and human rights in an apparent move to counter China's growing clout in the region. Speaking at a joint news conference after the meetings, Abe said Japan has no intention to fuel tensions with China. China should act in a controlled manner to avoid an adverse impact on relations with Japan, Abe said, apparently referring to China's repeated intrusions to Japanese waters and airspace near the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. Relations between Japan and China have deteriorated due to a spat over the Japanese-controlled islands also claimed by Beijing. Abe told the Mongolian leaders that North Korea's provocative acts are not acceptable. Abe also said he is ready to resolve the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals while in office and sought Mongolia's support for the effort. The Mongolian leaders showed their understanding and support for the Japanese stance over the North Korean issues. Abe is the first Japanese prime minister to visit Mongolia since August 2006 when Junichiro Koizumi visited the country. Abe is scheduled to return home on Sunday afternoon after having a meeting with Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, speaker of Mongolia's parliament, earlier in the day. END