PREMIER MEETS GOVERNOR OF IRKUTSK OBLAST

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ Prime Minister S.Batbold received D.F. Mezentsev, a governor of Irkutsk Oblast, Russian Federation. The PM is taking part in the Baikal Economic Forum (BEF) in Irkutsk. The Premier thanked Mezentsev for invitations to the BEF and to ceremonial events of the 350th anniversary of founding of Irkutsk city. He said a big delegation from Mongolia is participating in the forum thus attaching a great importance to discussing everal vital issues concerning the relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Russia and Asia-Pacific regional ties. The Premier said the Mongolia-Russia strategic partnership relations have been developing intensively, and appreciated contribution of Irkutsk governor to this. He said it would be beneficial for the both sides to construct gas pipelines through territory of Mongolia and that it is possible to draw up technical and economic justification for this construction. The sides touched upon a matter on Russia's ban on importing meat from Mongolia which started lasr year September 14, and expressed a hope that Irkutsk Oblast will try to annul this ban. In response, Mezentsev said it is cheaper to import meat from Mongolia rather than to buy it from Latin America adding "there is a little problem in terms of veterinary though". The governor said some 800 Mongolian students are studying in universities and institutes of Irkutsk and that the Russian side is going to increase this number and to lower tuition fees for those studying at own money. Mezentsev promised to support the Irkutsk-based Consulate of Mongolia and said Irkutsk will send medical doctors to Mongolia in order to have them run free-of-charge medical services.

B.Khuder