The U.S. State Department on Mar. 17 released a joint statement by the U.S. and Mongolian governments regarding the 17th Annual Bilateral Consultations between the two nations held in Ulaanbaatar.
“Recognizing that Mongolia and the United States have a shared interest in global peace, freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity, the two sides expressed their continued support for the U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership and pledged to deepen cooperation,” the joint note published on the State Department’s website reads.
The U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership refers to the relationship the Mongolian government has established with countries other than Russia and China – with whom the nation shares borders – as the government moves toward sovereignty, security, and economic independence.
During the Consultations, both nations also celebrated the upcoming completion of the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) $462 million Mongolia Water Compact.
The Mongolia Water Compact “aims to provide a sustainable supply of water that will stem the impact of an impending water crisis and sustain private sector-led economic growth in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar,” according to the MCC’s website.
“Both sides highlighted their shared resolve to promote responsible and legal travel through the Travel Responsibly campaign and other cooperation,” the statement continues. “They also discussed continuing their work together to uphold freedom of expression, religious freedom, and other human rights.”
The meeting was co-chaired by Michael George DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and L. Munkhtushig, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.
The dialogue also highlighted alternative energy sources, such as critical minerals and clean coal technologies, as avenues for potential cooperation.
“Both sides recognized that a predictable and transparent business climate is essential to expanding economic cooperation and increasing bilateral trade and investment,” the statement affirms.
“The United States and Mongolia decided to maintain the exchange of high-level bilateral visits and hold the next Annual Bilateral Consultations in 2027 in Washington,” the media note concludes.
