Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On February 22, an event took place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan, and the birthday of the Japanese Emperor.

Following a performance of Japanese drums by ‘UB Drums’ band and the two countries’ national anthems by the Morin Khuur Ensemble, Ambassador of Japan to Mongolia Hiroyuki Kobayashi gave remarks. 

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador pledged to put efforts into further developing relations between the two countries by working together with all those that provided support and cooperated in developing the relations so far. 

During the event, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida also extended greetings virtually. He said, “I am truly grateful to be welcoming the historic 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia. Today, the two countries are further developing their ‘Strategic Partnership’ relations based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, and legislative state. Mutual high-level visits continue to be regularly conducted, various meetings and discussions regarding matters such as politics and security are regularly held, and the two sides consistently carry out works. With the passing of each year, bilateral relations are expanding on the regional and international level.”

Noting that investment has been increasing as economic cooperation between the two countries continue to expand, the Japanese Prime Minister highlighted that the new Chinggis Khaan International Airport that opened in July 2022 has now become a new symbol of Japan-Mongolia cooperation as the airport’s construction was carried out through official development assistance alongside Japanese entities and companies currently being involved in its management. He then underlined that the year of 2022 marks the year to open a new chapter in the history of Japan-Mongolia relations with aims to further develop the relations, and expressed his sincere wish to create history by working together.

Prime Minister of Mongolia L.Oyun-Erdene said, “I should highlight that it was a pleasure for us Mongolians to have received Emperor of Japan Naruhito in Mongolia when he was the Crown Prince to become acquainted with our country’s history, culture, traditional arts, and the National Naadam Festival in 2007. In the past 50 years, Mongolia-Japan relations and cooperation successfully developed in all sectors. Today, Japan is an important Third Neighbor, and a trustworthy strategic partner in the region, closely cooperating on the international and regional levels. I consider that having an active economic partnership, further expanding cooperation between the two countries’ private entities, and introducing advanced technology would serve as important steps for the coming years of bilateral relations.”

The event was attended by Prime Minister of Mongolia L.Oyun-Erdene, some members of the State Great Khural and the Cabinet, some former Presidents and Prime Ministers, representatives of sports, environment, tourism, defense, and emergency organizations, Ambassadors of countries such as Russia, U.S., South Korea, India, and Kazakhstan, and other diplomatic representatives.