Ulaanbaatar, September 4, 2024 /MONTSAME/. President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin held a press briefing on the outcomes of the official talks on September 3, 2024. We present the full statements of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa:

"Honorable President Vladimir Vladimirovich, 

Distinguished guests and press representatives,

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for paying an official visit to our beautiful country in commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Collective Victory in the Battle of Khalkhiin Gol, the 75th anniversary of the Mongolian-Russian Joint Venture "Ulaanbaatar Railway," which is the symbol of friendship between Mongolia and Russia, and the historic centennial of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Russian Federation.

We have a historical tradition to solemnly celebrate the historic victory in the Battle of Khalkhiin Gol to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought for the independence and territorial integrity of the two countries, to ensure their heroic deeds are passed down to future generations, and to consolidate the deep bond of friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and Russia, which was forged in the shared pursuit of peace and development.

It is a pleasure to note that the traditionally friendly relations and cooperation between the peoples of the two eternal neighbors have further strengthened and consolidated over time, expanded with new content, and reached a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

The official visit of President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich to Mongolia is of high significance in advancing cooperation in fuel, energy, road transportation, environment, culture, education, health, and humanity, enriching the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries with economic content.

During this visit, we exchanged views and discussed our positions on the issues facing the two countries, the region, and the international community. 

As an outcome of our official talks, the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Russian Federation signed an Agreement on the Development of the Design for the Expansion and Renovation of the Third Thermal Power Station in Ulaanbaatar City of Mongolia and an Agreement on Cooperation in the Supply of Oil and Petroleum Products.

Also, paying utmost attention to the long-discussed Eg Hydro Power Plant project, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Conservation of Lake Baikal and Selenge River and the Protocol on Amending the Rules of the Mongolian-Russian Joint Venture "Ulaanbaatar Railway."

I am glad that the construction of the Eg Hydro Power Plant will advance thanks to the joint effort of the two parties.

The Russian Federation is one of Mongolia’s key trade partners, and although the trade turnover between the two countries has risen, we still record a trade imbalance. So, as a result of taking measures to resolve this issue, we agreed to sign an Interim Free Trade Agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

I believe that the Agreement will improve the legal framework of trade between the two countries, and create new tangible possibilities in expanding economic cooperation. I would like to commend the two sides for their efforts to establish the Interim Free Trade Agreement this year. This will boost the development of our agricultural sector and small and medium-sized enterprises and open up new opportunities in trade, investment, and business foras.

Also, during our meeting and talks, we agreed to renew and accelerate the projects included in the Mongolia, Russia, and China Economic Corridor Program in accordance with today's needs and demands. This will maximize the unique potential and capabilities of our country's transit transportation, as well as foster the intensification of trilateral cooperation under Russia's Greater Eurasian Partnership Initiative, China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Mongolia's Steppe Road Plan. I would like to express my gratitude to the Russian side for taking the initiative to increase opportunities for students from our country to study at Russian universities under the scholarship program of the Government of Russia. Mongolia is committed to further expanding and developing cooperation with our neighbor, the Russian Federation, under its peace-loving, independent, open, and multi-pillar foreign policy. We respect the pluralism that stems from a country's history, culture, civilization, national interests, and development path, and we strive to build international relations based on multi-pillar principles. We firmly support strengthening further the United Nations' major role and coordination in global affairs. Therefore, our country maintains that any international challenges, difficulties, and misunderstandings should be resolved through mutual understanding, mutual trust, mutual respect, and dialogue within the confines of international legal norms. Therefore, we are confident that our eternal neighbor, the Russian Federation, will become a leader in the great cause for world peace, security, sustainable development, and the welfare of humanity, and make valuable contributions to strengthening trust, mutual respect, and cooperation among countries worldwide. Honorable President, Your current visit to Mongolia is a significant step toward further consolidating the historic traditionally friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Russia, expanding and developing mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two countries. Honorable President, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich, and distinguished guests,

Welcome to our beautiful country with an ancient history, the land of eternal blue skies. Thank you for your attention."

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin:

"Mr. President, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are delighted to mark the 85th anniversary of the victory of the battle of the Khalkhin Gol together with our Mongolian friends. 

I would like to remind everyone that in 1939, the Soviet Union faithfully fulfilled its allied duty and promptly responded to the Mongolian Government’s request for assistance following the invasion of Japanese militarists.

We pay tribute to the memory, courage, selflessness, fortitude and heroism of the Soviet and Mongolian soldiers. They fought side by side, resolutely repelling the aggressor and defending Mongolia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Their feat also ensured the security of the Soviet Union’s Far Eastern borders during the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War. Over 10,000 Soviet officers and soldiers lost their lives in the fierce battles on Mongolian soil.

I would also like to thank our Mongolian friends for their care and respect for the graves of Soviet soldiers and our shared historical legacy.

I would like to note that the military talent of Georgy Zhukov, the future Marshal of Victory, was revealed on the battlefield in Mongolia. The people of Mongolia remember, know and honour him. Mr President and I will lay flowers at a monument dedicated to this outstanding military commander in Ulaanbaatar. Last week, another monument to Zhukov was unveiled in the city of Choibalsan with the assistance of the Russian Defence Ministry.

The people of Russia also remember and appreciate the contribution of the Mongolian nation to the fight against Nazism and militarism. During the Great Patriotic War, funds raised by Mongolian citizens were used to build fighter aircraft for the Mongolian Arat squadron and tanks that fought gloriously all the way to Berlin together with the Revolutionary Mongolia tank brigade. Mongolia also supplied over 500,000 horses to Soviet forces, which proved to be significant assistance at that time.

Next year, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We have invited President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to visit Moscow on Victory Day. We are also discussing the possibility of including a Mongolian military crew in the official parade on Red Square together with Russian service personnel.

I am convinced that our combat brotherhood forged during the grim years of ordeals, as well as long-time traditions of neighbourliness and mutual assistance, will continue to serve as a solid foundation for the friendly Russian-Mongolian relations.

These relations are developing dynamically and becoming stronger in full conformity with the Interstate Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed here, in Ulaanbaatar, exactly five years ago.

Today, during our talks, President Khurelsukh and I reviewed a wide range of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian interactions. We also exchanged opinions on the most topical international and regional issues.

As a result, we have signed a number of bilateral agreements, as you have seen.

The two countries paid great attention to fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment ties. Russia is one of Mongolia’s largest foreign trade partners. In the first seven months of 2024, trade between Russia and Mongolia grew by over 21 percent. It is notable that trade settlements between our two countries are almost entirely denominated in currencies other than the US dollar and the euro.

Further growth of mutual export-import transactions could be facilitated by the development of close ties between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia has supported the idea of a trade agreement between Mongolia and the EAEU.

The Ulaanbaatar Railway international joint venture remains a flagship project showcasing Russia-Mongolia economic cooperation. It has been making a major contribution to Mongolia’s economy for 75 years now. The long-term development programme of the Ulaanbaatar Railway until 2030 is progressing well. The company is increasing its statutory capital and throughput capacity and modernising railway lines. All these measures help increase the volume of both bilateral cargo traffic and transit between Russia and China.

Russia has long been a reliable supplier of energy resources for the Mongolian economy. Over 90 percent of petrol and diesel used by Mongolia in 2023 was imported from Russia. We always respond positively to our Mongolian friends’ requests for assistance in satisfying their growing needs for fuel and lubricants, including on preferential terms.

There are good prospects for our cooperation in the gas sector. We have completed the design documentation for the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline extension, which will run for nearly 1,000 kilometres through Russia, Mongolia and China. The project is at the stage of state expert appraisal and assessment of its potential environmental footprint.

We are not only talking about the transit of Russian gas across Mongolia. We are discussing the potential delivery of gas to Mongolian consumers. Gazprom is ready to provide the necessary assistance when it comes to connecting consumers to the gas supply system.

Our energy cooperation is not limited to the export of hydrocarbons. Russian energy holding Inter RAO hopes to contribute to the modernisation and renovation of the Ulaanbaatar TPP-3, to help install new equipment and increase the plant’s generating capacity threefold. This will improve the reliability of electricity and heat supply in the Mongolian capital. Russia will continue to supply Mongolian consumers with electricity.

We are also open to joint projects in peaceful nuclear development on the basis of latest and safest Russian technologies, including the use of small-module reactors.

During the talks, we discussed humanitarian cooperation as well. Our countries regularly hold cross-country days of culture and Days of Russia-Mongolia Friendship. We also organise joint research and expeditions.

Recently, we have noticeably intensified tourist exchanges. Athletes from Mongolia widely represented their nation at the major international events hosted by Russia such as the BRICS Games, the Children of Asia Games and multi-sport competitions such as the Games of the Future. We are expecting a Mongolian delegation at Russia – Country of Sports International Forum, to be held this October in Ufa.

It has become a tradition that our country is largely involved in training highly qualified professionals for the Mongolian economy. More than 2,000 students from Mongolia are studying in Russian universities. A branch of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics has been successfully operating in Ulaanbaatar for 25 years. Mongolian youth are highly interested in Russian education; this is why every year, Russia allocates one of its biggest scholarship quotas for Mongolia – more than 600 scholarships.

Of course, it is important to us that Mongolians love and learn the Russian language. Over the decades, Mongolia has established a good teaching system that opens up broad opportunities for studying, expanding business, academic and cultural links between our countries. Russia will continue to support the teaching of the Russian language in Mongolia, including in its border regions.

When discussing military, technical and counter-terrorist cooperation, we confirmed that Russia-Mongolia collaboration contributes to the security in Asia.

As we covered the international agenda, we reaffirmed that Russia and Mongolia have similar views on many topical global issues. Our cooperation programme continues.

During this visit, I will also meet with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Parliament of Mongolia. But even now, I can assure you that the joint work with our Mongolian friends and the agreements reached at this point will facilitate further development of the multidimensional Russia-Mongolia partnership.

I would like to thank Mr Khurelsukh and all our Mongolian friends for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Thank you for the attention."