MOSCOW, September 29. /TASS/. Relations between Mongolia and Russia are developing steadily, building on historical traditions and friendship between their peoples, Mongolian Defense Minister Dambyn Batlut said after meeting with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Vasily Osmakov, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar on a working visit.

"Relations between our countries are developing steadily, building on longstanding historical traditions and friendship between our peoples, mutual respect, trust, and the principles of good-neighborliness," Batlut said.

He noted Russia’s exceptionally important place in Mongolia’s foreign policy and expressed confidence that Osmakov’s visit would give fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation.

According to Osmakov, close contacts have been established between the general staffs of the Russian and Mongolian armed forces, while sustained cooperation is also maintained between branches of the armed forces, border military districts, and military educational institutions.