AKIPRESS.COM - The second consultative meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa was held in Pretoria, South Africa on January 30, Montsame reported.

The sides discussed bilateral relations, opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in mining, agriculture, education and culture sectors, as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

The South African side expressed its readiness to share the country's achievements and experience in the mining industry with Mongolia, support Mongolia in introducing the technology for converting coal to liquid gas, and collaborate on the capacity building of mining professionals.

The sides also exchanged views on possibilities of deepening economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of establishing direct cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries, increasing partnerships between private companies, and having their representatives participate in international conferences and other events they are hosting.

It was agreed to work on establishing intergovernmental agreements on bilateral cooperation in veterinary medicine and mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Moreover, South Africa – 2020 Chair of the African Union – showed its willingness to actively cooperate with Mongolia to successfully cope with the common challenges faced by African and other developing countries..