BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Mongolia to further promote bilateral cooperation, said top political advisor Jia Qinglin Thursday.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when meeting with visiting Mongolian parliament chairman Damdin Demberel.

    "We are ready to speed up cooperation with Mongolia in mining exploitation and infrastructure construction," he said.

    Jia hoped the two nations would make efforts to increase cooperation in large-scale programs, and continue to foster friendly exchanges between the two sides.

    The year 2009 will witness the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia. Jia said this would be an important opportunity for the two nations to advance bilateral ties.

    Hailing the growth of China-Mongolia relations in past decades, Jia said friendly ties between the two nations benefit the citizens of both countries.

    China respected Mongolian people's path toward development, he said.

    Jia also expressed appreciation for Mongolia's firm support to China in issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet.

    Demberel, chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, expressed gratitude for China's assistance in the past.

    He said Mongolia expected to increase cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure construction, culture and education.

    At the invitation of China's top legislator Wu Bangguo, Demberel kicked off his first China visit on Wednesday since taking office earlier this year.