EU, Mongolia to develop ties

President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso visited Mongolia Sunday in the first visit at the highest level from the EU side. He held talks with President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Noroviin Altankhuyag. Both sides agreed that 2013 has been an important year in the development of EU-Mongolia relations with the signature of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in April and the high-level exchanges, noted a statement issued by Barroso's office here. They looked into the possibility of expanding and exploring new areas of cooperation. The EU is willing to continue facilitating business partnerships between Mongolian and European companies, it said. The Leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues. EU acknowledged Mongolian growing international engagement; it noted the positive role Mongolia was playing in the region, added the statement.