China and Mongolia are two close neighbors that help each other and stay together in times of difficulties, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Noting that Battulga is the first foreign head of state that has visited China since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, Xi said that his visit demonstrates the great importance that the Mongolian president has paid to bilateral relations and his deep friendship toward the Chinese people.

The Chinese government and Chinese people are making full efforts to fight against the disease, Xi said, adding that China has received support and help from the Mongolian government and people.