Mongolia Brief September 18, 2014 Part I
Speaker
Receives Russian Buryat Delegation
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
September 18 (MONTSAME) The Chairman of the State Great Khural (parliament)
Z.Enkhbold received Wednesday a delegation headed by Ms E.Ludupova, a member of
People’s Khural of Russian Republic of Buryatia.
The Speaker
said Mongolia and Russian long-term friendly neighbors’ relations have been
intensified on a level of strategic partnership, "for example, the Russian
President V.Putin and a chairman of Federal council of Russian Federation
V.Matvienko visited Mongolia in the last three months". He is satisfied
with the development of the strategic partnership, but thinks that an economic
collaboration ought to use up all the possibilities existing, he
stressed.
Since the
inter-parliamentary relationship is the inseparable part of ties between the
two countries, cooperation between the legislatures has to be of high
importance in further consolidation of the Mongolia-Russian traditional
relations and cooperation, he said.
In response, Ms
Ludupova thanked Z.Enkhbold for the audience and spoke about how she had
exchanged opinions with our women MPs on society, economy and women’s rights
matters.
Present at the
meeting were D.Arvin MP, the head of Mongolia-Buryatian parliamentary group;
M.Batchimeg and C.Odontuya MPs; also T.Dumnova, a Minister of Economy of
Russian Republic of Buryatia, and others.
Vice
Speaker Meets Delegation of Chinese Foundation
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
September 18 (MONTSAME) A Vice Speaker of parliament R.Gonchigdorj Wednesday
received a delegation headed by Mr Xu Dunxin, a member of the Policy Council of
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the China Foundation for
International Strategic Studies (CFISS).
Gonchigdorj
expressed a satisfaction with meeting with the delegation and wished them an
enjoyable visit here.
In response, Mr
Xu thanked the Vice Speaker for the audience and said the two countries reached
a general understanding on many matters during the state visit of China’s
President Xi Jinping to Mongolia. "This visit opened a new chapter in the
history of Mongolia-China relations," he emphasized. After this he
introduced to the Vice Speaker accompanying him officials and shared views with
the Mongolian side on ways of boosting the regional ties and cooperation.
Mongolia
to compete in fencing and golf in Incheon's Asian Games
September 18
(news.mn) The 17th Asian Games will take place over 16 days in Incheon, Korea,
from September 19 to October 4, 2014. Athletes will compete in 36 sports,
including the 28 Olympic Games sports on the program for Rio de Janeiro 2016.
Incheon will also host the 2nd Asian Para Games 2014 from October
18-24th.
The official
opening ceremony for the Asian Games will be held on Friday, September 19th.
The Mongolian
team of over 240 athletes will compete in 23 sports, including judo, freestyle
wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, boxing, table tennis, tennis, soft tennis,
swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, cycling,
gymnastics, bowling, fencing, wushu, golf, triathlon, handball, and equestrian
sports at the 2014 Asian Games.
Mongolian
athletes will compete for the first time in fencing and golf.
The Mongolian
team was ranked 21st among 41 countries with 16 medals, including two
gold, five silver and nine bronze medals, at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou,
China.
Mongolian
freestyle wrestlers G.Mandakhnaran and G.Naranchimeg lead the gold medal race.
Related:
Asian
Games Opening – Montsame,
September 18
Former
Mongolian leader's 98th anniversary celebrated
September 18
(news.mn) The 98th anniversary of the birth of former Mongolian leader,
one of the nation's most powerful political figures, Yumjaa Tsedenbal, was
celebrated and respect was paid to his statue on September 17th.
Hero of the
People's Republic of Mongolia, Hero of Labor, Marshal Yumjaa Tsedenbal was born
in Davst soum in Uvs aimag on September 17, 1916.
He governed the
People's Republic of Mongolia from 1952 to 1984, starting his career as
deputy minister and being promoted to Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidium
of the State Great Khural, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the
Mongolian People's Party.
On the occasion
of the 98th anniversary of the birth of Yumjaa Tsedenbal, Mongolian
People's Party members and Tsedenbal Academy paid their respects and laid
flowers on the statue of Tsedenbal on September 17th.
At the
ceremony, the former Mongolian leader's sisters, Yumjaa Javzan and Yumjaa
Ayush, and his granddaughter Anastasia Zorigovna arrived to pay respects too.
Yumjaa Javzan
said, “We, family and grandchildren, are glad that the MPP is paying respect to
Yumjaa Tsedenbal. I want to say thank you to all for coming here to pay respect
and remembrance. I wish you all healthy, long lives. My brother was an ordinary
herder's son who achieved success by studying hard.
Anastasia
Zorigovna said, “We celebrate our grandfather's birthday normally within the
family. Now, I am glad for this celebration. I remember my grandfather as a
pretty normal person, and the best grandfather."
Regular
Cabinet meeting scheduled for today
September 18
(news.mn) The Government plans to discuss a total of 26 issues in today's
regular meeting.
The scheduled
items for discussion include an intergovernmental protocol between Mongolia and
China, and an intergovernmental agreement and protocol between Mongolia and the
Russian Federation. Foreign Affairs Minister L.Bold is expected to submit
these issues during the regular cabinet meeting.
The appointment
of a Permanent Representative of Mongolia to ASEAN will also be discussed.
Another issue
of focus is the feasibility study for building a second line for Ulaanbaatar
Railway. Minister for Roads and Transportation A.Gansukh is expected to raise
the issue for discussion.
Minister for
Culture, Sport and Tourism Ts.Oyungerel will submit a draft law on casinos,
lottery tickets, betting games and gambling in today's cabinet meeting.
Green
Days of Autumn 2014 to Celebrate Harvest Festival Starts from September 20th
September 18
(infomongolia.com) Upon the initiatives of the Government, the "Green Days
of Autumn" trade fair is being organized annually and this autumn for its
consecutive 9th year in order to provide consumers with organic products from
the new harvest.
The event is
aimed not only to promote entities, but also to exchange experiences between
farmers - suppliers - consumers in the scope of celebrating harvest festival
and this year’s event will be held across the Ulaanbaatar city from September
20 to 26, 2014.
The “Green Days
of Autumn 2014” will be organized in two categories as the “Healthy Food” under
exhibition & trade fair and the “Golden Autumn” as harvest festival, where
the main events will be held at Dunjingarav Trading Center.
Ulaanbaatar
to Spend 35 Billion MNT Annually to Develop Tourism Sector
September 18
(infomongolia.com) In the scope of celebrating the 375th anniversary of
founding the Capital City and the 60th anniversary of the development tourism
sector in Mongolia, the City Tourism Department in collaboration with the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have organized the “Friendly
Ulaanbaatar” general consultation on September 17, 2014.
At the meeting
over 650 representatives from tourist, sport, culture and other sectors have
participated attended by Mayor E.Bat-Uul, Minister Ts.Oyungerel, State
Secretary P.Altangerel and UB General Manager B.Badral and other officials.
The
consultation was focused on the Development Program of Ulaanbaatar until 2020
and its tendencies to adhere until 2030, which was developed based on Friendly
UB Program and ratified by the Parliament of Mongolia. In the frameworks of
implementation the Friendly UB Program, the city aims to receive up to two
million tourists by 2020 and double by 2030.
In order to
implement the Program, the UB Administration estimates to spend about 35
billion MNT annually, which is equal to 5% of the City Budget and officials
deem if to receive up to five million tourists per year by 2030, the City GDP
would be increased by 2.5 times or sales income to reach 5 billion USD.
Mongolian
and Turkish Justice Ministries Establish Joint Statement on Partnership for
2015-2017
September 18
(infomongolia.com) Mongolian delegates from the Ministry of Justice led by
State Secretary J.Bayartsetseg are conducting an official visit to the Republic
of Turkey upon the invitation of the Turkish Justice Ministry on September
17-19, 2014.
The visit is
being conducted in the scope of implementation the Protocol of Partnership
between the two bodies established in 2000 and on September 17th, Mongolian
delegates were received by the Undersecretary Deputy of the Ministry of Justice
Hasan Duduakli and other officials to discuss and exchange views on partnership
and broadening issues between the two organs and its affiliated agencies.
Following the
meeting, State Secretary Mrs. J.Bayartsetseg and Undersecretary Deputy
H.Duduakli have inked the joint statement on partnership between the two
Ministries in 2015-2017. At the signing ceremony, representing the Government
of Mongolia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the
Republic of Turkey B.Batkhishig was also present.
Also, State
Secretary J.Bayartsetseg conveyed warm greetings of the Minister Kh.Temuujin to
his counterpart of the Turkish Ministry of Justice, Bekir Bozdag as well as an
invitation to pay a visit Mongolia.
Moreover, as
part of the visit programs, Mongolian delegation was familiarized with
activities of Turkish Police Academy, local Police Department, Justice Academy,
Prison Administration, the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office and got acquainted with
some factories specialized in military shoes and uniforms.
Related:
Mongolian
and Turkish Ministries of Justice to Expand Cooperation – Montsame, September 18
“Khuvsgul
Partnership 2014” Exhibition & Trade Fair to Take Place in Murun
September 18
(infomongolia.com) The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Khuvsgul Aimag in
association with Aimag’s Department of Industry and Agriculture are organizing
the “Khuvsgul Partnership 2014” exhibition & trade fair in its Murun center
on October 03-05, 2014.
The exhibition
& trade fair is purposed to promote local business entrepreneurs and its
activities, besides to bring close collaboration between entities and partners
as well as consumers.
Moreover, many
business organizations from other territories such as Ulaanbaatar city,
Darkhan, Orkhon, Tuv and Selenge Aimags are to participate at this event, where
attendees are to exhibit in the following sectors:
- Camel wool
coat
- Wool and
Cashmere
- Leather shoes
and handbags
- Genuine
leather and leather products
- Food and food
products
- Drugs and
pharmaceutical plants
- National
costumes
M.Batchimeg
MP Meets Honorary Consuls
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
September 18 (MONTSAME) On Wednesday, M.Batchimeg MP received Honorary Consuls
of Mongolia who are taking part in the 9th consultative meeting of Honorary
Consuls here.
Ms Batchimeg
briefed on measures of parliament and Standing committees and on newly adopted
laws and regulations.
“Many
Mongolians have been leaving their motherland to live and study abroad, whereas
many foreigners are interested in doing business in Mongolia. So, the
responsibilities and roles of the Honorary Consuls have been increasing,"
Ms Batchimeg said and thanked the gathered for protecting interests of
Mongolians abroad.
She also gave
details about issues touched upon by some Honorary Consuls and exchanged views
on related matters.
FM
Addresses Consultative Meeting of Honorary Consuls
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
September 18 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold delivered a
speech at the ninth Consultative Meeting continuing in Ulaanbaatar. He welcomed
the Honorary Consuls and wished them successes in their "endeavors aimed
at helping expand Mongolia’s foreign relations and image".
He noted that
the Honorary Consuls of Mongolia "have been doing a great job in terms of
protecting the legal interests of our citizens abroad, to present the real
image of Mongolians, its economy, its politics, its culture and traditions.
“That is why as
Foreign Minister, I must express my deepest gratitude to all of you for doing
this prestigious at the same time difficult job to enhance friendships and
cooperation among the peoples of Mongolia and countries you represent,” he
emphasized, and then informed to them about Mongolia’s domestic economic
policies.
“According to
the World Bank data, Mongolia has transformed itself from a socialist country
to a vibrant multiparty democracy with a booming economy. Mongolia is at the
threshold of a major transformation driven by the exploitation of its vast
mineral resources and the share of mining in GDP today stands at 20 percent,
twice the ratio of a decade ago. The economic growth rate is estimated at 12.5
percent in 2013, compared to 6.4 percent GDP growth in 2010. GDP is expected to
grow at a double digit rate over the period from 2013 to 2017.
"Mongolia
has had strong macroeconomic growth, high literacy and education levels,
advanced public financial management, and a decline in poverty. GDP per capita
in Mongolia rose from US$579 in 1996 to US$3,365 in 2012.
“In recent
years, the economy has grown consistently, driven by advances in key sectors
such as agriculture, mining, and communications. Although the agriculture
sector remains the backbone of the economy, the industrial sector has
significantly expanded in the last few years due to rapid growth in the mining
and minerals sector.
"Our
priority now is to maintain high growth rates and use them to develop a
diversified economy that creates value locally.
"This is
potentially within our reach as we have started major infrastructure and
industrial development while continuing our mining projects, such as the
development of the world’s largest new source of copper Oyu Tolgoi and one of
the world’s biggest coking coal deposits Tavan Tolgoi,” he said.
“Mongolia
supports foreign investment in all sectors of the economy. It has one of the
lowest tax rates in the Asia-Pacific region.
"New
'Investment law' and 'Investment funding law' have been approved by the
parliament last year. We believe that it is a major improvement on enabling
favorable foreign investment environment. According to the new law, foreign and
national investors will not be distinguished; they will be treated the same.
Therefore, registration process is much more simplified. Moreover, the new law
enables a possibility to provide tax stabilization opportunity for investors
depending on their investment amount ranging from 5, 10 to 15 years. This
certificate of tax stabilization can be provided before investment is made and
ensures tax rates of current period for the next 5,10, 15 years. Income tax,
customs, VAT and royalty tax will be stabilized."
The Minister
referred briefly to government policies with regard to education, culture,
sciences and tourism. “In restoring and protecting Mongolia’s historical,
cultural and natural heritage and assets and in sharing them with other
nations, Mongolia shall cooperate with Asian countries which have similar
historical, religious and cultural legacies as well as with other interested
countries, UNESCO and other related international organizations.
"In
promoting cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Mongolia will practice both
Government and people’s diplomacy, and apply the principle of respect for human
rights, freedoms, equality and mutual benefit.
"The first
priority of the government is to improve the quality of the education in this
country to levels of developed countries. The Government also pursues to
increase the number of Mongolian students abroad especially in the field of
engineering and natural sciences.
"In the
science field, very important goal is the creation and support to foreign
centers of Mongolian studies and to foreign young Mongolists, to offer to them
financial support if possible from the Mongolian government,” Mr Bold
said.
"To
support Mongolian scientists to take part in international projects in the
field of biotechnology and nanotechnology and quantum physics. Such a
cooperation is underway, for instance, with the Russian Federation.
“In the
cultural field we will continue our policies to include the best
examples of Mongolian folklore and culture in the UNESCO common heritage and
promote our culture abroad.
"To
develop domestic and international tourism is one of the very important fields
of our government’s policies. It comprises three main components, for instance,
tourism of special interest, natural and adventure tourism and cultural
tourism. In that sense our government is taking step by step measures to create
infrastructure and touristic facilities in accordance with the local
particularities. Especial attention is to be paid to the Gobi, Orkhon and
Khovsgol touristic zones. In coming years a number of paleontologic
laboratories and Dinosaur museums will be set up in the
capital city and in country side.
"As a
member of the international community, Mongolia is committed to helping protect
human rights and freedoms around the world. We successfully chaired the
Community of Democracies for the years 2011-2013, a global intergovernmental
coalition of over 130 democratic countries with the goal of promoting
democratic norms and institutions around the world.
"Mongolia
made promotion of democracy education the main priority during its Presidency
of the Community of Democracies. Last December, the UN General Assembly
unanimously adopted the first-ever resolution on Education for Democracy,
submitted by the Mongolian Presidency of the CoD.
"Given
Mongolia’s geographic position, it is only natural that our relationship with
China and Russia is our top foreign policy priority.
The past few
years marked a very important development in our relationship with China and
Russia. We have established strategic partnership with both of them. We
consider strategic partnership to be highest level of cooperation,”
“China has been
our largest trade and investment partner for over a decade. It is also our
biggest export partner.
"It is not
casual that we established a comprehensive strategic relationship with China
signed during the state visit of Chairman Xi Jinping to Mongolia just few weeks
ago. So far no country with Mongolia has such kind of relationship.
"Russia is
our biggest import partner and after the working visit of Mr. Putin relations
with it improved and have got new momentum in terms of level of relationships.
A number of documents were signed during his visit to our country, which shows
the extent of our deepened ties with this country,” he said.
Mr Bold
emphasized that the ‘third neighbor’ policy is not only about politics. It also
helps us diversify our foreign trade and investment. Economic linkages with its
‘third neighbors’ are very much growing. For example, Canada is our largest
export partner after China; US, Japan, ROK and Germany are our largest import
partners after Russia and China; Singapore, Canada, ROK, US, Hong Kong,
Australia and Japan are among our top 12 investment partners.
“‘Third
neighbors’ play a critical role in bringing financial capital, high technology,
and much-needed eco-friendly strategies and management to Mongolia.
For last 2
years we have received visits from a number of foreign ministers, who never
visited Mongolia before. The Foreign Secretary of UK, the German, the French
Foreign Ministers, the Canadian, Australian and South Korean Foreign Ministers
visited Mongolia, all of them for the first time visited Mongolia. To this list
I must add foreign ministers of China and Russia who accompanied their
presidents in their high level visits to Mongolia.
Our country
aiming at having friendly relations is eager to establish diplomatic relations
with all the member states of the Organization of United Nations. Since 2013 we
did so with Antigua Barbuda, Burundi, Vanuatu, Palau, Surinam, Sierra Leon,
Togo, Eritrea and Jamaica, expanding our foreign relations and reaching the
record number of 173 countries that we have diplomatic relations.
As a matter of
fact, one of the top priorities of our foreign policy is to support efforts to
strengthen strategic stability and develop security cooperation in Northeast
Asia. And we have made sustained efforts to that end.
It was in this
wider context that our President came up with an Initiative for “Ulaanbaatar
Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” in March last year. The ultimate goal of
the Initiative is to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula and help promote
confidence building and peacemaking in Northeast Asia,” he said.
“The
Ulaanbaatar Dialogue Initiative is based on premises similar to the Helsinki
process that led to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and
then the OSCE.
Mongolia is not
proposing “the copying and pasting” of the European process. The starting
conditions are not the same. But the idea is clear. When we talk about the
Helsinki process, we first think about the set of guiding principles which must
be abided by the nations of the region. The Helsinki process is a great pool of
experience which Northeast Asian countries can draw on.”
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