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| News 2009 12/10/09 Keynote Speech delivered by S. Batbold, the Prime
Minister of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, 10 December 2009 Dear Citizens of the Democratic Mongolia, Today is the Human Rights Day proclaimed by the United Nations and observed annually by the international community. This process was kicked off 61 year ago with the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” adopted by the United Nations. Since then, the spirit and fundamental principles of this Declaration have become the humanity’s endowment and continuously translated into our life and actions. The Declaration’s spirit has transcended the limits of national borders, races, languages and cultures, and thoughts. It has united and linked all peoples with common interests of human nature, human rights and freedoms, made them open and responsible to each other, and lead towards deep understanding of mutual cooperation. It will remain as such in the future. Today’s democratic Mongolia is an embodiment of this spirit. The path to this state has not been easy or smooth. The last 20 years of our life and events testify this. The first modest gathering organized this day 20 years ago under the spirit of the above Declaration was the historic event we are celebrating today and the beginning of a modern democratic movement in Mongolia. That demonstration opened the window of pluralism in the closed society with a single ideology; rang the bell to wake up the aspirations and instincts rooted in the deep heart of every person to make speech and to express his/herself for individual rights and freedoms; and appealed to the people to participate in public movement for social changes and reforms. The initiators, organizers and activists of the demonstration were representatives of the new generation, visionary of the coming new era. I wish from this podium to express the deep appreciations of the Mongolian people to this generation who won over their fear and precaution with their youth courage and actively served the cause of the first meeting, the first demonstration and the establishment of the first democratic union, coalition and parties. Mongolia with its centuries-old statehood traditions made in the
early 20th century a historical choice for social progress, approved
its first Constitution and proclaimed the Republic. At the end of
the 20th century, we the Mongols were given another opportunity
to make a historical choice for respect of democracy and upholding
our national proud. This process was not a sudden or accidental
event. The Mongolian Democratic Union and other newly formed parties and movements were presenting their unwavering demands to the authorities for freedom of association, organization of demonstration and meeting, free expression of thoughts, ensuring human rights, introduction of multi-party, parliamentary system, holding elections on democratic basis, separation of roles of political parties and the state, and were taking active steps. In order to expedite their cause, a political hunger strike was chosen as a resort as of 7 March 1990. In the given circumstances , this was an act of risk, life challenging and civic courage. Considerate of the mounting aggravation of situation, the authorities, particularly J. Batmunkh, the Chairman of the Presidium of the People Great Hural and the General Secretary of the MPRP, firmly upheld the principle of “non-use of force”. The two sides were flexible and serious, took to the negotiating table, built a consensus and cooperated. Thanks to this, the Mongols found a universally-accepted solution. Despite the shortcomings found from today’s height, the reformist environment of transformation (perestroika) and openness (glasnost) characteristic of the mid-1980s prepared our people to listen to their instinct to embrace democracy as the best option of social reforms. Such psychological peculiarities laid down the foundation to incite the democratic thinking in the inner world of people. The responsible politicians, the responsible political forces existing in such circumstances were, probably, prepared psychologically not to negate and resist democracy. This was one of the fundamentals for the birth of democracy in Mongolia. The manifestation of the need for democracy and transparency in the Mongolian society was evident when young members and scholars of the MPRP developed policy documents of reformist character and presented their fundamental demands to convene an extraordinary Party conference and to adopt a new program of action and Charter. Such an extraordinary Conference was held in April 1990 at which these new policy documents in principal were approved and new party leadership was appointed. In April 1990 the newly emerged democratic movements and parties submitted an ultimatum to the authorities and held discussions and negotiations as a result of which a major protocol of mutual understanding was signed. In May of the same year, the People’s Great Hural adopted amendments to the Constitution of the MPR and took a decision to hold free, democratic elections based on a multi-party system. Such a reform process unfolded each day and month that led to a first free democratic election in July of 1990 and an establishment for the first time of the permanent parliament. The State Baga Hural developed and discussed a new draft Constitution of Mongolia which was later adopted by the People’s Great Hural. That laid down the foundations of democracy in Mongolia and started the process of institutional reforms. The people of Mongolia deserves to be proud for their choice of non-violence. The history and accomplishments of the whole democratization process at that time of choice for the development path of Mongolia were a clear materialization of the late S. Zorig’s belief in “the wisdom of the Mongolian people”. The people of Mongolia are deeply grateful to the pioneers of democracy who preferred the social aspiration for a new life rather than their lives; the leaders of the Party and the State of that time who foresaw the imminent changes and made a decision for peaceful transition and reforms; the individuals and political forces who took part in laying down the foundations of democracy and market economy. On behalf of the people of Mongolia and on my own, I extend our sincere gratitude to all previous Presidents, Speakers of the Parliament and Prime Ministers who headed the highest constitutional institutions of Mongolia. In the quest to further develop and strengthen democracy in Mongolia, the role and contribution of those people who started and materialized this process would continue to be of great importance. Ladies and Gentlemen, The irreversible embracement of democracy by Mongolia is the highest accomplishment in the twenty years of democratic changes. All public opinion polls conducted since the 1990’s have revealed that the people of Mongolia permanently believes in the correctness of their choice in favor of democracy and have never lost their faith in that choice. The democratic values such as human rights and freedom have become today the belief of every Mongolian. Market economy, free press as the fourth branch of governance and thriving civil society are the guarantees of our democracy. We can conclude that during the past 20 years democracy as a system has been basically established in Mongolia. The most important essential prerequisite for the establishment of democracy in Mongolia was to protect and guarantee human rights and freedoms on the basis of law. The new Constitution of 1992 based on the universally accepted spirit and principles of human rights has legally guaranteed for human rights and freedoms to the full extent of common practices and norms enshrined in the fundamental international human rights instruments. It is an incredible achievement in itself when people are confident to state that basic human rights and freedoms are in place in Mongolia where in the past by all characteristics limited were the individual rights to access to information, to free expression, free association, protection and inclusion of their interests in the state policies. An important achievement of the Mongolian democracy is the guarenteed opportunities for the citizens and the public to participate at their initiative in policy formulation and decision making. Whereas the country previously had a system with a single candidate-based “election” organized through command methods, up until now we have successfully held five general and Presidential elections respectively, as a result of which transfer of power has been carried out in accordance with the Constitution. The fact that there were no cases where elections were invalid or had to re-run demonstrates the compliance of election processes with the common international practices. In addition to the government offices elected by the principle of democratic representation, the citizens exercize their participation in the decision-making and protection of their interests through non-governmental organizations or through direct democracy. No doubt that this brings about a further progress in strengthening the civil society. Providing real step-by-step opportunities for the citizens’ rights to access to information and to free expression presents a demonstration of working democratic system in Mongolia. Dozens of newspapers, journals, radio and television stations and other mass media are actively operating in Mongolia as free press. The continued Government policy of supporting an access of independent media sources to information on government bodies, public officials, political parties and any other subjects constitutes another significant condition for the development of democracy in Mongolia on the basis of public support. Economic reforms represent an integral part of the democratic development of Mongolia and the practical guarantee for democracy. Building of democracy and development of market economy in Mongolia have proceeded in parallel and interdependently. And the private sector has become the leading player of the economic and social progress. The development of private sector which contributes about 80 percent of the GDP and produces the most national wealth represents not only the economic benefits of strengthening democracy in Mongolia, but also its future guarantees. It is, therefore, a vital task to strengthen the economic guarantees of democracy. A third of the population still live below the poverty line which testifies the incomplete realization of one most important principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Mongolia. According to the Human Development Index published by the UNDP, Mongolia is ranked 115 from 182 countries. It means that the implementation of social and economic rights is lagging compared to the exercize of political rights. Priorities of the successive Governments have always been to create employment opportunities for all Mongolians, to expand and enlarge midlle-income classes and to provide social welfare to marginalized people. As for my Coalition Government, the twin concept termed as “Development for Individuals, Individuals for Development” will be the core of our policy. When poverty and social disparity are excessively high, democracy becomes vulnerable. Therefore, in order to further strengthen democracy as a system in this country, poverty reduction continues to be the most important task in the coming years. Looking from the 20 years’ height, one can see that Mongolia has experienced enormous fundamental transformations in political, social and economic relations and its democracy has become immune. There is no single political party who would object democracy. There is no space if one would dare. The societal values have transformed as a whole. The international community has welcomed and supported our success and achievements. In her message on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Democracy in Mongolia, Ms. Hillary Clinton, State Secretary of USA, underlined that Mongolia is “a notable example for the new democracies in the world. Mongolia has continued to further its achievements and to strengthen democracy.” Yesterday, the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a renewed contract of over $280 million with the Government of Mongolia which is another manifestation of welcome by the international community of the strengthened democratic governance in Mongolia. Ladies and Gentlemen, The democracy Mongolians have so far achieved and its values we collectively share should not be regarded as “the end of the road” or the “top of the hill” but it is a continuous process towards improving the social relations. Therefore, we can say that we are entering the next phase and taking another step towards building a better democracy. No society is perfect thus we are not an exception. We are still vulnerable to mistakes and injustice. And thus we shall not get accustomed to these as habitual circumstances and strive towards developing and strengthening the democratic social institutions to eliminate and amend this situation. People openly criticize inertia, discriminative attitude, corruption, bureaucracy and encumbrance of the state and governmental organizations, their failure to serve as a medium to provide social welfare and the political parties falling short of keeping their promises declared in election agendas and being dumb to their voices. Only by fixing the aforementioned shortcomings, Mongolia would be able to pursue democratic process further. In other words, it is now crucial to enrich and thus ensure the democratic system by applying norms and actions that serve people equitably. In doing so, we shall customize with scant attention the norms and internationally accepted living and working standards aimed at securing democracy, ensuring righteous abidance of the law and human rights, protecting the minority and combating corruption. We shall follow the example of the Eastern European countries that are a lot similar to us and have successfully restored their democracies. This also has been reflected in the Ulaanbaatar Declaration adopted at the 5th International Conference of New and Restored Democracies. Within this framework, yet much needs to be done. We have been talking a lot about raising the responsibility and fighting corruption. Public organizations shall object to corruption and public officers should be liable. And there are only a few stringent criteria to judge their corruption and liability. In brief, firstly, abidance of the laws and regulations, taking responsibility and imposed penance, secondly, consciously fulfilling the job for which one has taken an oath before the state or if not then transferring the position to those who are capable, thirdly, moral principles, one shall be able to deliver an apology and rectify his actions. Moreover, a righteous state shall be enriched with an enforcement of the laws and regulations, close collaboration with the people, transparency and morality. Therefore, the Government will take step-by-step measures and work towards applying at least the abovementioned three principles to the activities of all state organizations and public officers, and implementing meritocracy principle or the principle of rewarding those working in public service. The present democracy is a representative one that allows political parties to play a major role in the democratization process. However, people still doubt political parties. Therefore, not depending on whether the political party is ruling or in opposition, all parties shall work towards promoting cooperation with an aim to improve their activities, seek reforms and upgrade their leadership skills. Another reason people doubt political parties is the competition among the political parties that is too polarized. This situation has widely affected the public service, civil society, press, economic entities in urban and rural areas, even including soums and bags /smallest administrative units/ and negatively impacted their daily activities. Mongolians have never benefited from being divided and extremity. Throughout the history of Mongolia, the power of consensus and unity has been of advantage to us. Therefore, I would like to emphasize here that along with conducting functions with respect to laws and regulations, the democratic institutions shall act initiatively to reach an agreement and cooperation. There are many good examples where the major political parties have successfully worked jointly towards development, tackling the challenges facing the country and preventing from external threats. For instance, Austria has had a major coalition government for more than 40 years and in Switzerland the political parties have been collaborating successfully since 1959. Our past history and the early years of transition to democracy are clear evidence of the success we can achieve whilst working together. I am confident that the coalition government established following the general elections of 2008 will work towards building the success. It is of vital importance for us to eliminate and rectify the defects of present election system to further strengthen democratic standards. There have been widespread claims and rumors before and after elections on vote rigging, election frauds and breach of law. The people no longer doubt the fact that the election process and the laws should be improved. Therefore, priority issues to be addressed are to make the voters’ voices heard and their interests appropriately represented in the parliament through elected representatives, to reduce election campaign expenses and reconsider timing and duration of future elections and thus through these measures strengthening the election system. I think that it is an issue that we all must think about and make a decision on without any delay. And the timing and the existing circumstances are in our favor. In order to ensure that everyone benefits from democracy in an equitable and accessible manner, we need to introduce a law on freedom of information and to put in place the right legal framework. Because there is no adequate and transparent information about the work of government institutions, citizens are not always aware of the passing new laws and which interests of which groups are being affected by them. They do not well understand what kind of government services they are entitled to receive and when, where and from whom they can expect such services. I believe that we must work towards achieving the goal of changing this situation where government services do not reach everyone equally as well as adopting a law that would guarantee the freedom of every citizen to obtain information. I would like to note that it has become demands of today’s democracy that the press adhere to the principle of equally accessible, realistic and balanced information and be guided by the codes of ethics of civilized and responsible journalism, which would make an important contribution to the development of democracy. Encouraging civil society development and active citizens’ participation should provide a vital guarantee for strengthening democracy. It is important that the public and their representative organizations work with government bodies and be the initiators and implementers in the process of solving many challenging issues such as protection of human rights and reduction of poverty and unemployment. My government will actively look for solutions to those problems in cooperation with civil society organizations. Ladies and Gentlemen, One issue that arises out of the Mongolian democracy in a delicate and complicated manner and requires an accommodating and thoughtful solution is the objective of developing a political consciousness and culture in the citizens. Only citizens who have developed a political consciousness and culture can fully enjoy the rights in a democratic system while further strengthening it. It is one benefit of democracy that the people of Mongolia are being able to carry on their national cultural heritage and at the same time to openly receive the intellectual cultural achievements of the mankind in a creative way. With the increasingly favorable and vast opportunities opened up by the rapid advancement of information technologies and the globalization, it becomes necessary to approach the goals of developing democracy and improving the citizens’ education in a closely knit package. This is about the need to build up an ability to make responsible
choices in one’s own interests, to equally enjoy one’s freedom and
have a sense of responsibility, to tolerate others’ views, to cooperate
with those having different opinions, and to process different access
of information on one’s own. In the ways so far described, it has
become necessary to utilize many opportunities presented by democracy
to their fullest extent and to rigorously develop a democratic culture
and constructive consciousness. The advantages of an institutionalized democratic and open society lie in the fact that it enables us to keep track of how democratic norms and processes are being implemented in the daily affairs of the government and society. In this, it is extremely important to ensure participation of citizens who have a full legal capacity, a democratic culture, and a conscious conduct. The clue to the question whether democracy will further consolidate is in the hands of the citizens themselves. The people can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms within the legal boundaries by acting on their own or through their representative institutions at all levels. The future of the Mongolian democracy will depend on the foresight of the government, the devotion of the people or, in one word, the concerted efforts of all of us. It is here where lies the spirit of the Constitution of Mongolia, that “State power shall be vested in the people of Mongolia. The people shall exercise state power through their direct participation in State affairs as well as through the representative bodies of State power elected by them.” Fellow citizens of Mongolia, I would like to address all the people of Mongolia and to call upon them to keep their faith in the mission declared in our Constitution by strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the nation, by cherishing human rights and freedoms, justice and national unity, by inheriting the traditions of national statehood, history and culture, by respecting the accomplishments of human civilization and by aspiring toward the supreme objective of developing a human, civil, democratic society in the country. May our country prosper and flourish!
12/10/09 Mr. Batbold said in an interview that the government is studying the possibility of setting up three companies, one that would hold mining assets, and another each for energy and infrastructure holdings. The 46-year-old prime minister, who took office in October, said his government would first seek to list the assets on an international exchange such as London, New York or Hong Kong, and then on Mongolia's domestic exchange. "People ask the question, 'why we are sitting here, sitting on our mineral resources doing nothing, whilst others do get the benefits of these resources by bringing them to the international financial markets, especially the foreign companies,' " Mr. Batbold said. He said those companies were "doing a good promotion of Mongolia," but "now is a good time to think about our own approach." Mongolia, a landlocked nation more than four times
the size of Germany but with only about 2.6 million people, has
recently become a focal point of interest from investors who see
huge potential in its largely untapped mineral and energy resources.
Making it especially attractive is Mongolia's proximity to fast-growing
China, a ready customer for the country's iron ore, copper, coal
and other commodities. Trade nded the Conference to express Mongolia’s position to expedite the conclusion of the negotiations by the end of 2010. Source: Wall Street Journal, by Peter Stein at peter.stein@wsj.com
12/03/09Trade Ministers of 153 Member Countries of the World Trade Organization met at the 7th Ministerial Conference held in Geneva between November 30 and December 2, 2009. The Conference, the highest decision-making body of the WTO, is the fourth for Mongolia since her accession to the Organization in 1997. The Conference, not engaging negotiations, was organized under the theme “The WTO, the Multilaterial Trading System and the Current Global Economic Environment”. The Members were expected to give an assessment to the multilateral trading system as well as their positions with regard to the current negotiations. The current, Doha negotiations are “development” negotiations, aimed at at the increasing the role of the developing and under-developed countries in international trade, and ensuring the equitable share of the benefits from trade. The Mongolian Delegates, headed by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN and Other International Organizations at Geneva H.E.Mr.L.Orgil attended the Conference to express Mongolia’s position to expedite the conclusion of the negotiations by the end of 2010.
11/25/09 After the letter of credentials was presented, the President of Mongolia received the new Ambassador and the two of them shared ideas about future cooperation between the two countries. The President emphasized that Mongolia and the US enjoy an ever expanding cooperation – that the two countries have accumulated a whole wealth of culture, education and a rich history of inter-citizen relations, and have also been maintaining successful collaboration in the political, economic and defense sectors. Our nation has been consistently supporting the US’s stance to maintain peace in Iraq and Afghanistan by sending our troops, which have consolidated our relations further. The President also mentioned his meeting with the US President, Mr Barack Obama, and representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation at the UN Summit earlier this year. The President expressed his words of appreciation to the US for providing financial support to the “Economic Support for Developing Countries Fund”. The President mentioned that human-to-human relations are an important part of our multifaceted bilateral relations. He believes that the new Ambassador will support and cooperate with Mongolia to create scholarship programs for Mongolian students who are studying, or wish to study in the US. Mr. Addleton worked as the Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) 7 years ago and is extremely happy to be working here again. He also expressed his wishes to deepen relations between the US and Mongolia, expanding the scope and scale of existing forms of cooperation
11/18/09The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia G.Zandanshatar has received James A.Schear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Partnership Strategy and Stability Operations. The Minister underlined that Mongolia-U.S. relations and cooperation are widening in recent years, and expressed a satisfaction with effective development of the ties in the defense sector. Mr Schear mentioned that the USA always highly value achievements of Mongolia's democracy, and on behalf of the U.S. government thanked the Mongolian side for a successful cooperation in the peacekeeping operations in the scope of defense sphere. /MONTSAME/
11/13/09On November 13, 2009, newly appointed Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia, Mr.G.Zandanshatar received a seal of the Ministry from Prime Minister S.Batbold.
A ceremony was held in the Ministry on this occasion attended by MP and Head of the MPRP Parliamentary Group, Mr.D.Lundeejantsan, MP, Mr.S.Byambatsogt and heads of Ministry's departments.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister S.Batbold and Foreign Minister G.Zandanshatar met the Ministry staff where the Prime Minister requested the Ministry personnel to render support to the new Minister in carrying out his duty.
Minister G.Zandanshatar pledged that he would do his utmost to further promote and foster Mongolia's foreign relations and activties relying on professional capability of the Ministry staff.
Gombojav ZANDANSHATAR Date of birth: March 6,1970 Place of birth: Baatsagaan sum, Bayankhongor province, Mongolia Age:39
Family status: Married, with two children Education: 2004: MA, Maastricht University, Holland Carrier Since Nov. 12, 2009: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of
Mongolia Foreign language: Russian, English
11/11/09Economic Policy Conference: 2009
11/11/09Senate resolution 192--expressing the sense of the senate regarding supporting democracy and economic development in Mongolia and expanding relations between the United States and Mongolia Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Webb, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to: S. Res. 192 Whereas the United States Government established diplomatic relations with the Government of Mongolia in January 1987; Whereas the Government of Mongolia declared an end to one-party Communist rule in 1990 and initiated democratic and free market reforms; Whereas the United States Government has a continued commitment to ongoing economic and political reforms in Mongolia and has made sizeable contributions for that purpose since 1991; Whereas, in 1991, the United States established Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status with Mongolia and began a Peace Corps program that now boasts over 100 volunteers and over 725 volunteers since its creation, and is one of the largest per capita Peace Corps programs worldwide; Whereas the United States extended permanent NTR status effective July 1, 1999; Whereas the United States has strongly supported the participation of Mongolia in the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, among other international organizations; Whereas the United States and Mongolia enhanced their trade relationship through the signing of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2004 to boost bilateral commercial ties and amicably resolve disagreements over trade; Whereas the Government of Mongolia continues to work with the United States Government to combat global terrorism and, from April 2003 to October 2008, sent 10 consecutive deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom and 7 indirect fire technical training teams to Afghanistan; Whereas the Government of Mongolia continues to demonstrate a growing desire to join the United States in global peacekeeping activities by providing an ongoing deployment of soldiers to protect the Special Court for Sierra Leone, as well as providing deployments in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission in Kosovo and United Nations missions in a number of countries in Africa; Whereas the Government of Mongolia signed denuclearization agreements in 1991 and 1992, making Mongolia a nuclear weapons-free zone; Whereas Mongolia was deemed eligible for Millennium Challenge Compact assistance on May 6, 2004, submitted its official proposal on October 13, 2005, received approval for its proposal from the Millennium Challenge Corporation on September 12, 2007, and signed a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Agreement on October 22, 2007, during a visit to the United States by then-Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar; Whereas President George W. Bush became the first-ever sitting United States President to travel to Mongolia on November 21, 2005; Whereas the House Democracy Assistance Commission began a program to provide parliamentary assistance to the State Great Hural, the parliament of Mongolia, in 2007; Whereas Senate Resolution 352, 110th Congress, agreed to October 18, 2007, expressed the sense of the Senate on ``the strength and endurance'' of the partnership between the United States and Mongolia during the 20th anniversary of relations between the two countries; Whereas the United States and Mongolia signed an agreement to increase cooperation in preventing trafficking in nuclear technology on October 23, 2007; Whereas, during the October 2007 visit by then-President Enkhbayar to Washington, DC, the United States and Mongolia agreed to a Declaration of Principles for further cooperation between both countries, including a commitment to expanded development and long-term cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment, educational, cultural, arts, scientific and technological, defense, security, humanitarian, and other areas; Whereas the people of Mongolia completed a free, fair, and peaceful democratic election on May 24, 2009, which resulted in the election of opposition Democratic Party candidate Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj; Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced on June 9, 2009, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia, S. Batbold, that the United States is ``committed to supporting the government and people of Mongolia as they seek assistance to develop, as they continue their democratization, and as they reach out to the rest of the world''; and Whereas the United States Government and the Government of Mongolia share a common interest in promoting peaceful cooperation in Northeast Asia and Central Asia: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that-- (1) the growing partnership between the democratic governments and peoples of the United States and Mongolia deserves acknowledgment and celebration; (2) the democratic election and peaceful transition of power in Mongolia is an important demonstration of the continuing commitment in that country to democratic reform and represents a significant achievement for that young democracy; (3) the United States Government encourages further economic cooperation with the Government of Mongolia, including, as appropriate, enhanced trade and investment to promote prosperity for both of our economies; (4) the United States Government should continue to work with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to assist the Government of Mongolia in improving its economic system and accelerating development; (5) the United States Government should continue to provide Mongolia assistance under the Millennium Challenge Compact and encourage further effective and accountable governance; and (6) the United States Government should expand upon existing academic, cultural, and other people-to-people exchanges with Mongolia.
11/07/09Rio Investment in Ivanhoe provides geographical advantage but not control
The Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project is the primary focus of Ivanhoe Mines in Mongolia. Rio Tinto's investment in Ivanhoe provides Rio entry into an advanced stage major mineral project. With similar conditions in neighboring China and Russia, major project experience in Mongolia will be advantageous to Rio in other projects. However, the region is not homogenous, other companies already have and are establishing positions, and Rio's experience will be helpful to it but will not preclude others. Analysis Rio Tinto took a position in Ivanhoe Mines Ltd and its Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold property in Mongolia in 2006. Rio Tinto's October 28, 2009 announcement of completing a second tranche investment in Ivanhoe to 19.7% is consistent with Rio Tinto's demonstrated objectives of having a significant interest in major mineral commodities such as copper and gold, in having those interests in large mineral deposits - both categories into which Oyu Tolgoi fits - and provides a strategic investment that positions Rio Tinto geographically into a significant and developing major mineral production region with Mongolia and neighboring areas of Russia and China, with their geologic and nearby market potentials. Source: http://www.glgroup.com
11/06/09Fulbright student returns Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ The Embassy of the USA in Mongolia has
reported about a blind Mongolian student who brought eye guide dog
to Mongolia from the USA.
11/05/09Ts. Elbegdorj: Nothing is more important than human health As was reported by Mr. M. Enkhbold, Chairman of the Commission, there are 884 people with H1N1 viral inspection, and the pandemic has spread to 17 provinces. The pandemic took 6 human lives. The Government declared Heightened Alert state to promptly and effectively respond to the ongoing pandemic. Quarantine has been announced for schools and kindergartens, public events are banned and army drafting has been postponed. Temporary medical posts are operating in student campuses and dormitories. A decision was made to provide additional food supplies to over 80000 citizens of vulnerable social groups, and the food items are now being procured. Relevant agencies are investigating into the causes of increase in the prices of food products. Deputy Prime Minister M. Enkhbold also informed that the issue of procuring vaccines from Russia, China and Ukraine is now being expeditiously resolved through pertinent channels. After the update, upon consultation with experts, President Elbegdorj instructed certain pandemic response actions. “We need to obtain at least five hundred thousand vaccines, and most immediately. Only for pregnant women, we need at least fifty thousand. Our people are dying and more and more people get infection while we talk to other countries for vaccines. Experts warn that if we lose another 2 weeks working in the manner we do today, we may end up in a situation when we don’t need vaccines at all. The Government doesn’t need to economize here, please mobilize all the resources to urgently purchase the vaccines. The President and Prime Minister would speak to any other State and Government heads for a help with vaccines. Second, we must have sufficient stock of medicines for those who are infected. We must ensure that our people can get these medicines from any drug-store and chemists’. We must keep stocks enough for at least 1 million people. Therefore, please urgently purchase tamiflu and other similar medicines, produced in our neighbors. Third, the respiratory apparatuses that are used in our clinics and hospitals are not sufficient, and are obsolete too. Please study where we can purchase such machines as we need to secure at least 100 pieces. Three things are important to people today. First, objective, true information. They need to know what is happening. Second, people need to know how you work, how effectively you are working. And third, please tell the people what they should do. This is the main principle of crisis or disaster management. I believe this is the principle you are following. I do understand that our medical personnel are working days and nights. They are tired. Please support our doctors and nurses and all other staff at least by providing them communication allowances, getting them rides after work at night, and paying overtime. Frankly speaking, this is a pandemic. Nothing is and should be
more important to us that our peoples health. None of us, no nations,
and no individuals are immune to the various diseases that the world
has started seeing lately, and we cannot foretell what diseases
would break out and when. But we must stay ready, prepared. Let’s
work together to mobilize and organize our resources and efforts
to ensure preparedness – for enhancing laboratories, producing medicines
etc. The responsibility rests with all of us – the Government, the
ministry, hospitals, individual citizens – elderly, parents, youth,
all must shoulder the responsibility”.
11/04/09Mongolia and Pakistan are committed to expanding relations and cooperation Mongolia aims at fostering our relations with Asian countries and makes every efforts to explore and embark upon new areas and fields of cooperation. Mongolia and Pakistan do not use to the fullest the potentials we can develop and achieve in trade and economic relations, said President Elbegdorj. Mongolia’s exports to Pakistan, which in 1999 accounted to 400 thousand USD, sharply dropped in recent years. Therefore, efforts need to be made on both sides to bolster our economic relations. Within the multilateral fora, our two countries have supported each other. We could further attain efficient cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Asia-Europe Meeting. President Elbegdorj referred to another important facet of cooperation that existed between Mongolia and Pakistan – that is, Mongolian public servants used to study in Pakistani human resources development trainings, which now need to be restored. Ambassador Masood Khan agreed with the President
on the ideas and initiatives our two countries could develop to
attain mutually beneficial cooperation. Mr. President and Ambassador agreed that appointment
of a Mongolian Honorary Consul in Pakistan in 2007 was indeed an
important event to foster our bilateral relations.
10/29/09Address by His Excellency Mr. Sukhbaatar
Batbold, Excellency Mr. President, At the outset let me express my deep gratitude to the members of the State Great Khural and the parliamentary group of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party and that of the Democratic Party for the confidence they have placed in me by appointing me as the Prime Minister of Mongolia. I am taking over this highly responsible and fairly difficult duty for the Mongolian Government from you, Sanjaagyn Bayar, the Prime Minister of Mongolia. Although I do feel proud, I know the criteria to match your footsteps will be high, but I will continue to serve in this highly regarded capacity in a transparent and just manner, within the laws and in the best interests and aspirations of every Mongolian person and all the people of this country. As Chairman of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party and Prime Minister, you have earned the people’s and country’s trust during a very challenging time. It was your courageous initiative to form a joint Government due to your far-sighted vision and policies as a statesman, and your wisdom to ensure political and social unity. The joint Government you have led during this short time has taken a number of historic decisions and launched many valuable activities, such as the signing of the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement and the Third Crop Campaign, which will contribute substantially to our country’s development and prosperity. In particular, as a former member of your Cabinet, I would like to stress that the leadership and management skills you have demonstrated during your premiership has brought your team together to tackle the challenges and turbulences of the economic crisis. May I extend my sincerest gratitude to you for steering your joint Government tasks with exemplary leadership and integrity, and may I also now wish you well-being and all the best in your future endeavors. I consider it to be my humble duty to ensure continuity of the Government’s policies and its activities. Moreover, I will continue to ensure that the goals of the five comprehensiveness-bound improvements proposed by Prime Minister Bayar and the policies of unity and social stability are fulfilled. I believe it is possible to implement the Action Plan of the joint Government with its current structure. Esteemed Members of the State Great Khural, At this moment of my appointment as Prime Minister, I deem it appropriate to realistically assess the country’s development objectives, current challenges and difficulties, and set directions to move ahead by taking our potentials and resources into account accurately. The shadows of the global economic and financial crises have had severe side effects on the country’s major economic sectors, such as, banking, finance, construction, industry, animal husbandry and infrastructure, and have caused substantial burdens for our citizens’ livelihoods. The crisis is far from over. We still have the complex task of getting through this difficult time on our shoulders. There is still a lot of work to be done ahead of us – reforms in state budget, banking and financial systems, as well as the business environment, but I am fully confident that we can achieve these objectives. My Government’s priority task is, therefore, to overcome the crisis and continue with innovations. Although I perceive these difficulties, I nevertheless look forward to our future with optimism. Mongolia is a rich country. We have inherited this vast country with its rich historic heritage and culture, fertile livestock, generous nature and abundant natural resource reserves. Mongolia has a centuries’ long history of statehood and the Mongolians ought to live happy lives in our own beautiful country. My Government will enlarge any development policies for the benefit of its people and will strive to implement these with their broad participation and support. We will work for the happy life of every Mongolian. I believe that every Mongolian must have a job, education and be healthy, and that the Government must stand close to the citizens. The joint Government’s primary objective will be to ensure that every Mongolian has a job and we will, therefore, make efforts to generate employment opportunities for all Mongolians willing to work. This objective can be realized by launching the groundbreaking work needed for Mongolia’s 21st Century industrialization and translating it into reality. This historic opportunity is drawing closer for us. Investors’ interest in Mongolia is growing at an unprecedented pace. Although we are landlocked, we are surrounded by globalized world markets. Many mines and associated thereto infrastructure, processing and manufacturing industries, as well as a service sector, are yet to be developed. The targeted industrialization that reflects Mongolia’s specific competitiveness must be the basis for its 21st Century industrialization policy. The nucleus of this new policy will focus on developing other mineral deposits, following in the Oyu Tolgoi Project’s footsteps to feed the country’s economy, as well as on creating many value-added enterprises to be engaged in copper smelting, construction material, iron, and coking coal production, etc. Not only the mines, but also the numerous processing industries together with service sector projects, will provide a wide range of opportunities to develop small- and medium-sized enterprises. These in turn will provide job opportunities for Mongolians. It is not possible to carry out the groundbreaking work for new-century industrialization only through slogans or Government bodies’ efforts. The experiences of developing countries with successful industrial development show that, to launch such a mammoth undertaking, it will be necessary to promote and attract domestic and foreign investments, technology and equipment, as well as experience and knowledge. Advanced countries’ experience also shows that development comes through private sector efforts supported by sound policies on the part of the state. In another words, we need to increase our competitiveness dramatically in all sectors and at all levels. Furthermore, our development’s pace must be accelerated. Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder has said that “The world is moving from the one where the big eats the small to the one where the fast eats the slow”. Certainly, there is the high risk of lagging behind if we lose time. Some research studies have clearly warned us of such risks. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, Mongolia is ranked at 100 out of 134 countries. If my assessment is realistic, we are unable to compete in today’s world. The time for rapid change is now. The time has come for all Mongolians to work harder in order to improve the country’s competitiveness. Thus, no effort will be spared to turn Mongolia into a highly competitive country in this region - in terms of taxation, legal and foreign investment environments. To reach these goals, we must introduce internationally-accepted standards in all sectors, including not only commodities’ and materials’ standards, but also new standards related to laws and regulations, technologies and mindsets, as well as to culture and lifestyle. We can learn from our traditional partners’ experiences where they have recently joined the European Union and enjoy the benefits of such new standards. In bringing up their standards they neither re-invent the wheel nor did they re-write laws according to one person’s wishes. What they did was to choose one standard to be followed, starting with changing road standards to adopting anti-corruption laws to suit local conditions and specifics. I believe this is where their successes have come from. In terms of climatic conditions, natural resource reserves, population density, as well as geopolitical location, Mongolia is very similar to Canada. There is thus a lot we can adopt from Canada, including its development model, standards, technology and equipment. In general, it will not be possible to complete this groundbreaking work relying solely on domestic factors. Our foreign partners rightly note that Mongolia is pursuing a far-reaching and well-respected foreign policy despite the fact that it is a small country. There is thus considerable potential to turn this positive mindset into an accelerator for our development. While setting forward the goal of promoting made-in-Mongolia products on the globalized market, we will create favorable conditions to further facilitate and expand our trade with the Russian Federation, China, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the European Union and India, as well as the other ‘third neighbor’ countries. We will make efforts to ensure that the Mongolians travel freely abroad, particularly in the countries of our region. We have set a goal to promote economic dimensions within foreign relations by enriching our foreign policy with the economic content. This policy will continually and intensively be expanded. There is no doubt that this will make a substantial contribution to creating an environment in which each and every Mongolian has a job. Esteemed Members, It is essential to ensure that the State provides development-oriented equal opportunities for all Mongolians, empowering and educating them so as to be capable and competitive participants at a global level, thus laying the foundation for the country’s middle class to mature and expand. We should avoid using the natural resources beneath our soil as consumption sources, as these should turn into intellectual wealth of the Mongolians. Every Mongolian must be educated. 20th Century Mongolia’s human resources, under the education system of that time, have been at the vanguard of national development. Yet, our previous generations did manage to develop our country. Today, Mongolia’s capable human resources must decide on their own development for this new century. We will set a goal to bring the secondary education system and its standards to the levels of leading nations, integrate vocational and tertiary education with labor market requirements, and ensure that every graduate has a job. Education sector development will thus be a priority for the joint Government. The joint Government will also attach particular importance to the strengthening of the family institution, as this is one of the ancient societal institutions to be greatly valued. As we move ahead in liberty we, as Mongolians, need to uphold and respect our families. We will devote special attention to introducing a series of measures aimed at strengthening family values in our country. I therefore suggest that when discussing and adopting draft laws on Motherland Bequest and Wealth Sharing these are based on concepts that support the development of families and people. The joint Government will uphold the principle of equally distributing social wealth and will ensure that the elderly, children and disabled people acutely needing social security and protection receive it as a priority. We need to give proper attention to creating a people-friendly health system. Here I do not only mean an ideally suitable health system, but also a correct social policy that will encourage healthy physical development, as I understand it. We will, therefore, make every effort to encourage further initiatives for public sports, besides supporting healthy lifestyles and foods. Esteemed Members of the State Great Khural, There is a huge difference between countries that have used their natural resources wisely and those that have suffered from the ‘curse of wealth’. Such differences stem from the fact that if there is better or poorer governance. Hence, strengthening our democratic system will be another priority for the joint Government. The Mongolian State must stand close to its people. Everyone is well aware and has much to say about civil service corruption and bureaucratic burdens spoiling the image of our politics, society and Mongolia’s democracy as a whole, and they eat us up from the roots. It is said that corruption is the phenomenon of a failed state. People always despise corrupt governments and must thus take definite steps and actions to eradicate corruption in the real sense rather than just talking about our corrupt systems. We will adhere to the principle of accountability and at all levels act in unison with what we say. We will also demand changes in working styles. No government organizations at any levels need skin-deep mannerisms. All Government activities and services need to be within established norms, ethical practices and regulations geared for practical outcomes. The beauty of a fair and just state should be judged by its obedience to laws, its transparency, and its closeness to the people being governed. I believe that respecting and abiding by laws will be a universally recognized path to creating a state that maintains zero tolerance towards corruption and is free of any bad habits. A law must be a precise norm and barometer for all actions in our life. As embedded in the spirit of Mongolia’s Constitution, abiding by the law is the main principle for all state functions. This will become a foundation to fix our current society’s state, eradicate law and order discrepancies once and for all, and enhance accountability at all Government executive branch levels. A fair number of complaints and suggestions exist, claiming that failure to update legislative acts to keep pace with social life changes appears to be the cause of red tape and corruption. The goal of applying new standards is therefore of utmost importance when drafting legislative acts to conform with internationally recognized norms and universally accepted principles. At the same time, civil service’s stability and immunity is essential to ensure that implementation and outcomes are improved. It has become increasingly necessary to firmly apply the principles of merits-based civil services. It is the state’s responsibility to provide a suitable working environment, protect the integrity of, and secure jobs for diligent and fair civil servants, enabling them, as good citizens, to strictly adhere to the Constitution and other laws for the people’s benefit and in the public’s interests. Moreover, I will work to transform the Government’s decision-making process into one that highlights the principle of evidence-based decision making, so as to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic stages, get rid of unlawful practices and ethical misconduct, and to ensure that there is no place in the country’s civil service sector for those involved in bad practices. I will also make efforts to reduce the centralization of Government activities, and will draw attention to setting up a balanced mechanism for rights-duties and participation-auditing that can evenly distribute society workloads. I believe it is important to provide all possibilities to encourage decentralization while strengthening local governments not only by increasing citizens’ participation in decision-making, but also by implementing actions. With a view to achieving this, measures will be taken to transfer authority from central to local governments, and to delegate tasks there when necessary. I will consider it as a rationale within civil society democratic governance when we transfer some Government functions to civil society, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and professional associations. In doing so, we will be able to balance society’s multiple interests, provide equal opportunities for the State and private sector, encourage trust and partnerships, give people more authority, and ensure their increased participation. Esteemed Members of the State Great Khural, For the sake of brevity, I define this joint Government’s policy as ‘the combination of development for the people and people for the development’. I believe that Mongolia has a bright future and that there are good opportunities for our people to live happy lives in this beautiful country. For this reason, I consider it important to create employment opportunities for all Mongolians, empower our people through education, and develop healthy and competitive Mongolian citizens. I also believe the Mongolian State must be close to its citizens. I am starting my work fully confident that we can and must do it - moreover, together we can do it. The joint Government needs united unwavering support from the State Great Khural, from the political parties forming this Government, from the President of Mongolia and from all the country’s people. Thank you for your attention and may Mongolia prosper!
10/30/09New Prime Minister Sworn in Unanimously The changeover of the coalition government only took two days. As soon as S.Bayar made his request to be discharged from the prime ministerial position on account of health conditions, it was evident that the Foreign Minister would take over his post. Parliament has officially appointed S.Batbold as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia yesterday. Under national law, every issue that is discussed at parliament should first be introduced to the relevant standing committees. The Standing Committee on Structure convened after S.Batbold’s name was submitted to the Parliamentary Speaker upon President Ts.Elbegdorj’s approval. Originally, the committee consists of 20 members but there were many others wanting to witness the event. The “A” hall of the Government House was packed with MPs and journalists. Since the chairman of the Standing Committee on Structure was absent, the meeting was chaired by MP Ts.Batbayar. Advisor to President P.Tsagaan introduced candidate S.Batbold. No questions were raised. All 20 members supported S.Batbold with 100 percent majority vote.
10/30/09S.Batbold appointed as 26th Prime Minister of Mongolia Mongolia has turned another historical page by appointing Member of Parliament, Minister for Foreign Affairs Su.Batbold to become the 26th Prime Minister of Mongolia. His candidacy was approved with 93.9 percent approval during the parliamentary session that had 66 members present with four opposing. In his acceptance speech, the new Prime Minister highlighted his plans “to continue with current Cabinet structure and work towards expanding the middle class promoting a government program where every Mongolian has an equal chance to prosper and compete on international arena with targeted support toward their education and health from the government.” First Deputy Minister N.Altanhuyag later transferred the government seal to the new Prime Minister.
10/28/09S.Bayar relieves from PM post Prime Minister of Mongolia S.Bayar has made a request to MPRP’s Governing Council, Parliamentary Speaker and the President to be relieved from his post due to health conditions. The Governing Council of the MPRP briefed journalists after accepting the decision of the government head. The MPRP will discuss this issue today at its party meeting. Parliament will also convene in an irregular session to discuss the issue of discharging S.Bayar from his position as Prime Minister of Mongolia.
06/25/09Fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum held at Department of Commerce One June 9, 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Mongolia Embassy in Washington DC held the fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum. The organizers from Ulaanbaatar were the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia and the Foreign Investment and Foreign Trade Agency of Mongolia. The focus of this Forum was the energy sector, with highlights on coal mining, coal and methane power production, oil extraction and processing, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.
06/24/09Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia visits the US Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia, S. Batbold paid a working visit to USA on June 8-12, 2009. Minister S.Batbold had an official meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
06/11/09U.S., Mongolia Announce Launch of Negotiations for Transparency Agreement WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Mongolia's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sukhbaatar Batbold, announced the launch of negotiations for a United States-Mongolia Transparency Agreement following a meeting yesterday in Washington held by General Counsel Timothy Reif and Assistant United States Trade Representative Timothy Stratford with Minister Batbold. In their discussions, the officials noted the importance of transparency with regard to trade and investment policies and practices. They also reiterated the importance of U.S.-Mongolia trade and economic relations and their mutual desire to promote trade cooperation through the U.S.-Mongolia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Ambassador Kirk and Minister Batbold issued a joint statement saying: "Transparency is critical to the proper and efficient functioning of the international trading system. Businesses need the predictability that comes with a clear understanding of the policies and practices that are going to be applied. We believe that an agreement setting forth mutual commitments on transparency will help to develop the U.S.-Mongolia trade relationship, to the benefit of both of our economies." BACKGROUND The United States has entered into TIFAs with a number of countries in order to enhance trade ties and coordinate regionally and multilaterally through regular senior-level discussions on trade and economic issues. Regular, ongoing dialogues established through TIFAs with other countries and regions have led to concrete, positive results, resolved trade differences, and led to a deepening of trade and economic relationships. Mongolia has a population of about 3 million. It has been a member of the World Trade Organization since January 29, 1997. June 11,2009.
05/18/09Visit of Mongolia’s Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy to DC Mr.Zorigt, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia, a working visit in Washington DC in May 13-15, 2009. In his capacity of a Board member of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, he attended the Board’s annual meeting that was held at the World Bank. He and his entourage also had meetings with managing directors and other officials in charge for Mongolia relations at the World Bank and International Finance Corporation. There the Minister had discussions about potential participation of these international financial institutions in Mongolia’s mining and energy sectors and provision of consulting services. Mr.Zorigt held a meeting with Mr. Garry Locke, US Secretary of Commerce during which they both expressed their interests to cooperate in energy, particularly in renewable energy and clean processing of minerals, as well as other sectors of economy and trade such as mining and tourism. Also the Minister held meetings at the US Department of Energy and with some larger US corporations and non-for profit organizations currently working in Mongolia.
04/23/09Visit of Mongolia’s Finance Minister to DC Mr.Bayartsogt, Minister of Finance of Mongolia, stayed in Washington DC in April 20-27, 2009, during which he attended the annual spring meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. He had meetings with managing directors, executive directors and other officials in charge for Mongolia relations at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The Minister and his entourage had discussions about Mongolia’s prompt implementation of the Stand-by agreement with IMF involving some US$224 million to support external financing needs of Mongolia Government. Mongolian delegation and WB side held discussions about the impact of the current economy crisis on developing countries, WB’s assistance in dealing with the crises, and potential additional assistance for Mongolia including IBRD enclave financing. Mongolia’s Finance Minister Bayartsogt also held meetings at the US Department of Treasury and Millennium Challenge Corporation seeking options to receive support from US Government and negotiating on-going MCC’s projects in Mongolia.
04/22/09Fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum The U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia; the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia; the Foreign Investment and Foreign Trade Agency of Mongolia; and the Mongolian Embassy will host the Fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum on June 9, 2009. The Forum will provide valuable information about commercial opportunities in Mongolia, and give companies a chance to meet potential business partners. The focus of this Forum will be the energy sector, with highlights on coal mining, coal and methane power production, oil extraction and processing, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.
03/10/09STATE GREAT HURAL DELEGATION VISITS WASHINGTON Vice Speaker of the State Great Hural /Parliament/ of Mongolia G.Batkhuu along with Mr. Ch.Saikhanbileg, Member of Parliament and Head of Mongolia-US Inter-parliamentary Group in the Great State Hural, and Mr. D.Odbayar, Member of Parliament, held meetings on the Capitol Hill on March 10-12, including Senator R.Lugar, representatives Joe Pitts, Joe Wilson, Jim McDermott, D.Rohrabacher, D.Rehberg. As the head of the Mongolia-US inter-parliamentary group in the Mongolian parliament, Mr. Ch.Saikhanbileg introduced the members and goals of the group, and expressed gratitude for the US legislature’s support to the democratic transition in Mongolia. The US Congressmen noted that Mongolian democratic achievements served as model in the region and reassured their Mongolian counterparts of the continued US support to Mongolia. The Mongolian delegation also met with Congressman David Price, the Chairman of the House Democracy Assistance Commission, who informed about upcoming US Congressional delegation to Mongolia this summer. The Great Hural’s delegates also held meetings at the State Department officials and at the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Foundation and discussed US policy in the NEA region.
02/23/09
Chinggis Khan
A world renowned museum in the heart of Texas city of Houston – The Houston Museum of Natural Science will open on February 27 the first ever exhibit in the USA, dedicated to Genghis Khan /Chinggis Khaan/ the Man of the Millennium, as proclaimed by the Time Magazine. This exhibition focuses on Genghis Khan as well as the history and culture of the Mongol people, from the reign of Genghis Khan to his grandson Khublai's creation of Yuan Dynasty. The exhibition's focus is on Genghis Khan; the Mongolian nationality, its culture and related economy; and nomadic daily life of the grasslands. The storyline follows the arc of Genghis Khan’s dramatic life—from illiterate, tormented child to the Millennium’s most renowned government innovator and military strategist. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with the Museums of Mongolia contributed to the exhibit with its artifacts, which belong to the era of Genghis Khan.
02/16/09Visit of Mongolian construction officials to DC Representatives of the Mongolian Housing Finance Corporation– the public corporation, with the mandate to provide the low and middle income people with affordable housing, including its CEO J.Aldarjavhlan, Vice President Ya.Purevjav and head for International cooperation P.Tsogtsaihan, and L.Bayaraa of the Ministry of Finance, visited Washington DC to hold meetings with notable American construction, exporting and financing organizations for larger construction projects in Ulaanbaatar and potentially in other provincial towns for middle and lower income families. As CEO J.Aldarjavhlan specifies, the purpose of their visit to USA was seeking long term investment from USA and investigating advanced American building technologies and materials. Over the past 100 years construction sector of Mongolia experienced tremendous growth reaching annual 40 percent in 1960-80s and almost annual 60 percent in last 4 years. The Government of Mongolia has been actively encouraging foreign investment in the sector, and there are Korean, Chinese, Russian, Canadian construction companies successfully working in the residential, commercial and infrastructure construction and maintenance.
Ground breaking ceremony for a new building
01/21/09Translation from Mongolian
Your Excellency, On behalf of the Mongolian people and in my own name, I wish to extend to You my sincere congratulations on your taking an oath of office and assumption of your duties as President of the United States of America. Your election as the 44th President of the United States of America has confirmed the aspiration of the American people for continued democratic changes. We highly appreciate the consistent support which the USA, a world’s most powerful nation has provided, from the very beginning, to the processes of Mongolia’s democratic reforms and the system of market economy which the Mongolian people had chosen. We consider the USA our third neighbor and are keen to further expand our relations and cooperation with it. It gives me a great pleasure to note the dynamic development of those relations on the basis of democratic values and shared interests in promoting peace and prosperity and according to the principles of comprehensive partnership. At present the Mongolia-U.S. bilateral relations get further enriched according to the spirits of the MCA Compact and the Declaration of Principles for Closer Cooperation and other important agreements. Furthermore, our two countries continue to further develop their active cooperation in the UN and other international organizations. Please accept, Your Excellency, Mr. President, my best wishes for the good health and well-being of You and Your family members as well as the progress and prosperity of the American people. (signed)
01/17/09Recognition to the Mongolian community The Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles county held a meeting on January 13, 2009, during which Supervisor Michael Antonovich presented a recognition to the growing community in LA county – community of Mongolian residents. The honor was presented on the occasion of the Constitution Day of Mongolia. During the ceremony a congratulatory letter from the Embassy of Mongolia was also presented. It is believed that there are about 2000 Mongolians reside in greater LA area. The community is characterized by a high level of education since most of those residents are college students or recent graduates. For more information: website of Mongolian community of LA area
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ULAANBAATAR,
Mongolia -- Prime Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar wants to pursue an
initial public offering of Mongolia's state-owned mineral assets
on an international stock exchange as a way to generate more revenue
from natural resources, which have recently attracted a flood of
foreign investment.
Newly
appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the
United States of America to Mongolia Mr. Jonathan Addleton met with
Mr. Elbegdorj Tsahia, the President of Mongolia, to present his
letter of credentials. 
This
afternoon President Elbegdorj heard an update by the State Emergency
Commission on the current state of H1N1 pandemic in the country.
Today
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Masood Khan presented
his Letter of Credentials to the President of Mongolia. 
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