Ulaanbaatar, July 5, 2023 /MONTSAME/.  The Chairman of the State Great Khural Zandanshatar Gombojav today received delegates headed by the Secretary General of the European External Action Service Stefano Sannino, who is on a working visit to Mongolia on July 4-7.

The Speaker noted that Mongolia highly values its relations with the European Union and its member states, considering the EU as the third neighbor of the country and the relations plays a crucial role in the foreign relations. He expressed gratitude to the EU and its member states for their constant support for the democratic, social, and economic changes and reforms in Mongolia and for close cooperation even during the difficult times of the pandemic.

“Compared to the European Union, Mongolia's democracy is relatively young, but the State Great Khural (parliament) is gradually forming a legal framework aimed at protecting human rights and strengthening democracy. For example, Mongolia became the first country in Asia to adopt the Law on the Legal Status of Human Rights Defenders, and after discussing the report on the status of human rights and freedoms in Mongolia, the parliament for the first time approved and implemented a resolution on measures to be taken following the report. A few days ago, the parliament approved the resolution on Approval of the National Anti-Corruption program,” Mr. Zandanshatar said.

Stefano Sannino, Secretary General of the European External Action Service, mentioned that he is making his first working visit to Mongolia and said that although the European Union and Mongolia are geographically distant, they are united by common values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and are close in heart.

He underscored that relations and cooperation between the European Union and Mongolia are rapidly strengthening and the "One Billion Trees" national campaign initiated by the President of Mongolia was included in the Forest Partnership program, as the EU supports the campaign.

Mr. Stafanno Sannino emphasized that it is possible to expand cooperation in supporting the sustainable development of trade, economy, security, and the environment.

The parties were unanimous that the close cooperation of the legislative body and the EU is important for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding them in all fields, and expressed that they will continue to work together to create favorable conditions for expanding the relations and cooperation in all fields of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current state of relations between Mongolia and the European Union, the future direction of the cooperation, and some issues of international relations.