Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and his Mongolian counterpart, Nambaryn Enhbayar, agreed Thursday to further efforts to build a comprehensive bilateral partnership, with Tokyo pledging to continue economic assistance to Ulan Bator.

In their meeting at Mori's Official Residence, the two leaders also welcomed the signing of a bilateral investment protection and promotion agreement, scheduled for later Thursday afternoon, according to a joint statement.

Mori said Japan is considering offering an additional 300 million yen in emergency aid to help improve the lives of Mongolians in rural areas who are suffering after severe weather killed much of their livestock.

In October, Japan pledged 1.04 billion yen in grants to Mongolia to help repair damage caused by heavy snowfall last winter and a drought in the summer.

Enhbayar explained that democratization and structural reforms are taking root in Mongolia, while Mori said Japan's support for the reforms remains "unchanged," expressing satisfaction the two countries have strengthened ties in recent years based on the common values of democracy, freedom and basic human rights.

The two prime ministers agreed that the investment protection and promotion pact will help expand economic exchanges between their countries, according to the statement.

Foreign Minister Yohei Kono and Chimiddorjiin Ganzorig, Mongolia's industry and trade minister, will sign the document shortly after the prime ministers' meeting concludes.

Kono will also exchange diplomatic notes with Mongolia's Infrastructure Development Minister Byambin Jigjid. Japan will offer 30.8 million yen in cultural grants to help the National University of Mongolia purchase printing equipment.

The foreign minister will host a dinner Thursday for Enhbayar at the Iikura state guest house.

The Mongolian prime minister said his administration views its relations with Japan as extremely important.

He arrived Tuesday.