ULAN BATOR, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia is keen on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation with Chile in the mining sector, the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Damdinsuren Davaasuren, the ministry's state secretary, made the remarks when meeting with Chilean Ambassador to Mongolia Luis Schmidt Montes.

"Mining is the main economic sector for our two countries," Davaasuren said, expressing keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in this sector.

The Chilean ambassador expressed his country's readiness to enhance cooperation with Mongolia in various sectors, including mining and agriculture.

Mongolia and Chile established diplomatic relations in 1971.

The two countries are working to validate agreement on mutual visa-free travel for their ordinary citizens in the near future, according to the Mongolian foreign ministry.

The mining industry contributes to about a quarter of Mongolia's gross domestic product and more than 90 percent of its exports.

Mongolia's non-mining economy was particularly weakened between 2014 and 2016 by falling investment and declining private consumption, according to the World Bank.