Ulaanbaatar, June 10, 2024 /MONTSAME/. At the invitation of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith will pay a State Visit to Mongolia on June 11-12, 2024. MONTSAME Mongolian National News Agency talked with former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Lao People's Democratic Republic Galbadrakh Lodoidamba about relations and cooperation between the two countries.

-Over sixty years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. What periods would you highlight in the historical development of relations between the two countries?

-There is a saying in Laos that “If you want to know your future, look at your past.” The people of Mongolia and Laos have a long tradition of supporting each other in difficult times, successfully overcoming the test of time, and cherishing their relations and cooperation. Mongolia and Laos established diplomatic relations on September 12, 1962. Mongolia opened its embassy in Vientiane in 1976, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic opened its embassy in Ulaanbaatar in 1981.

In October 1961, when Mongolia joined the United Nations, a crucial moment for its independence, Laos firmly supported Mongolia. This historical precedent has laid the foundation for future mutual support between our two countries in the international arena. Currently, the two countries are developing friendly relations and cooperation based on the principle of "mutually supportive and beneficial cooperation."

-In your 40 years in the diplomatic service, what were your primary goals and areas of focus as an Ambassador fully representing your country abroad?

-Being a public servant for 40 years, I spent most of my time in foreign relations or the diplomatic service. I retired two years ago. But I could not stay away from my native field and I am working as Chairman of the Committee of Veteran Diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, earning the trust of my colleagues. International relations and foreign service require extensive knowledge and high professional skills. Even a small mistake can have big consequences.

During my tenure, I participated in bilateral high-level visits, meetings, and international conferences, including the United Nations General Assembly. I also held the high responsibility of serving as Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Korea and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Throughout these missions, the national interests of Mongolia remained my top priority, and I strived to fulfill my responsibilities and uphold the trust.

Ambassador Galbadrakh with President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith

-What was your first impression when you arrived in Laos as an Ambassador of Mongolia to Laos? What is your most memorable experience in your time in Laos?

-The first time I visited Laos was in 1994 as part of a delegation accompanying the first President of Mongolia, P. Ochirbat, on his State Visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. At that time, I served as a Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of Mongolia. Later, I was appointed as the Ambassador. Returning after 20 years for the second time, I observed and compared the changes and developments during this period. The country's slow but steady progress and the improvement in the standard of living of its people left a positive impression on me.

There were numerous unforgettable moments in Laos. Laotians are incredibly friendly, calm, and modest people and they show great kindness towards us Mongolians, making it easy to work together and understand each other. My participation in the transportation of over 1,000 sheep, donated by the Government of Mongolia to the relatively temperate and mountainous northern region of Laos left a particularly vivid memory.

-What are common features in the diplomatic relations of Mongolia and Laos?

-Mongolia and Laos are landlocked Asian countries transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market economy and developing traditionally friendly relations.

Ambassador Galbadrakh withthe doctors and staff of the Friendship Hospital 

-In what areas do you think there is a weakness in the development of traditionally friendly relations between the two countries?

-In the development of trade and economic cooperation between Mongolia and Laos, the challenges stemming from the landlocked nature of the two countries and inadequate infrastructure connection. As a result, compared to cooperation in the political, social, cultural, and humanitarian sectors, concrete economic cooperation has remained relatively weak. The trade turnover between the two countries is notably low. The completion of the railway connecting Kunming, China, to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, two years ago opened new opportunities for developing trade and economic cooperation between our two countries through the inland transport network. To capitalize on this opportunity, we should align our infrastructure development with China's Belt and Road Initiative and establish a tripartite agreement on cargo transportation through the territories of China. It will open up new avenues for Mongolia to establish connections with Southeast Asia and ASEAN countries through Laos. I expect this will be a topic of discussion during the State Visit of the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongloun Sisoulith, to Mongolia.

Sheep farming in Xiangkhouang Province of Laos

-What do you anticipate from the State Visit by the President of Laos to our country? What potential outcomes could bring this visit?

-I think it is significant to pay more attention to the content of this visit, broadening the scope of relations, particularly opening up new opportunities to stimulate tangible cooperation in the economic sectors, translating them into a reality, as well as concluding documents that will be a catalyst in these directions.

I expect particular issues will be discussed during the visit, including Mongolia-Laos cooperation in the agricultural sector, especially, exporting Mongolian carpets and animal products, such as meat and meat products to Laos, importing high-quality wooden products and eco-friendly products, such as fruits and vegetables, from Laos to Mongolia. I think talks will cover the issue of supporting the establishment of a joint venture to plant rice by leasing land with favorable conditions for Mongolia and supply the rice to Mongolia, which the foundation of the work has already put.

I also think discussions will be held on the “Friendship” hospital built in Siengkhuang province of Laos with assistance from Mongolia and strengthening sheep farming.

Since the outset, Laos has consistently supported our country's initiative to establish the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries. I anticipate that this forthcoming Visit will mark a significant step forward in bolstering active cooperation through this organization within the international community. Furthermore, I believe it holds promise for advancing Mongolia's aspiration to become an official partner of ASEAN while also fostering bilateral cooperation in culture, humanity, and education.