Authorities of the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, hope to strengthen partnership with Hanoi in various fields, said Batbyabma Battulga, secretary general of the Ulan Bator City Council, on November 23.

The Mongolian official told Pham Qui Tien, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, that Ulan Bator expects to strengthen decentralized relations between the two capitals in tourism and human resources development.

He said direct flights will be launched next year to connect Ulan Bator with some Vietnamese provinces and cities.

The meeting between leaders of the Hanoi People's Council and delegates from the Ulan Bator City Council on November 23. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Ulan Bator shares Hanoi's concerns about traffic and environmental issues, so he said the two cities should establish a channel to discuss and exchange ideas.

Batbyabma expected other Vietnamese and Mongolian localities to follow the two capitals and build strong, close ties.

Appreciating the information provided by the Mongolian official, Pham Qui Tien, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council, agreed that the two cities should finalize their memorandum of understanding for further cooperation.

He said Hanoi is drawing up the master plan for urban development to provide better living conditions for its 10 million people.

"Hanoi's economy has been growing steadily in recent years, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, we expect to achieve economic growth of about 7 percent," he said.

Welcoming the Mongolian delegation to Vietnam, Tien stressed that the two nations have made remarkable progress in their relations and socio-economic development over the past 69 years. Mongolia was one of the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

The Hanoi official also hailed the fact that the two capitals have developed a strong bond and their exchange of visits has been effective in strengthening the partnership.

"Hanoi always prioritizes relations and partnership with other capitals, cities and provinces around the world, including Ulan Bator and Mongolian localities," Tien said.

"Today's working session will strengthen the relationship between Vietnamese and Mongolian localities, boost exchange activities between the two cities, and contribute to the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Mongolia diplomatic relations in 2024," the vice chairman said.

At the meeting, Hanoi People’s Council officials briefed the guests on general information about the city's political organization and economic growth direction.

Wrapping up the meeting, Vice Chairman Tien said that Hanoi and Mongolian localities still have a long way to go to realize the full potential of their decentralized relations.

"Today's meeting will bring new opportunities for the two sides to strengthen ties," he said.

Tien also urged government agencies to start direct flights between the two countries soon so that Vietnamese and Mongolian people have more opportunities to visit and enjoy each other's landscapes and cultures.