Bishkek (AKIpress) – MoscowForeignMinistry Russia is open for political dialogue and comprehensive cooperation with Mongolia, a senior official of the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday, reports TASS.

“The two countries have traditionally friendly relations and cooperation on the basis of close partnership and respect to each other’s interests,” Andrei Kulik, director of the ministry’s first Asia department, said at an exhibition at the Russian foreign ministry dedicated to the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Mongolia.

“Russia was the first state to recognize Mongolia’s freedom and independence,” he said. “We will continue to support Mongolia’s national sovereignty and socio-economic progress, observance of its legal interests on the international arena and in the region.”

Mongolia “is Russia’s good neighbor and a strategic partner,” the Russian diplomat said, adding that relations between the two countries are built on a solid legal basis which creates conditions “for fruitful dialogue at the top and higher levels.”

“Russia stays open for active political dialogue and comprehensive cooperation with sovereign and independent Mongolia,” Kulik stressed.