Ulaanbaatar, February 18, 2026 /MONTSAME/. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the XVII sexagenary cycle, the Year of the Fire Horse, titled “Sureer Daragch,” President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa has extended greetings. The full text of his message is presented below.

"Esteemed citizens,
Dear Mongolian brothers and sisters,

I extend to you my warmest greetings on the auspicious occasion of the Lunar New Year of the XVII sexagenary cycle, the Year of the Fire Horse, known as the Sureer Daragch. From the great taiga of Khuvsgul to the golden Gobi of the South, from the vast eastern steppes to the majestic Altai Mountains, to all of you—our respected elders, precious children, vigorous youth, and cherished citizens—living across our boundless homeland: Have you safely overcome the winter, welcomed the spring in good spirits, and entered the New Year in prosperity and joy?

Tsagaan Sar is an ancient celebration with a history dating back to the era of the Hunnu Empire. It is a symbol of our spiritual resilience and national independence, and the very essence of our history, culture, customs, and traditions.

During this great celebration, we Mongolians revere Eternal Heaven and Mother Earth, respectfully greet our elders, reaffirm our kinship and lineage, observe customs and uphold moral order, cherish virtue and restrain wrongdoing, calm our minds and strengthen our faith, speak words of kindness, and perform deeds of goodness. Such is our admirable and noble tradition.

To preserve, honor, and pass down this heritage, these values, customs, and historical traditions to future generations is the pride of the Mongolian nation and the sacred duty of us all.

Esteemed citizens,
In the passing Year of the Wood Snake, the foundation of our State—our households—welcomed more than 60,000 newborn children, bringing our population to 3,592,000.

Through the diligent labor and perseverance of our herders and farmers, and by the benevolence of nature, our precious livestock reached 60 million head, and we harvested 745 thousand tons of grain.

Our national economy grew by six percent, per capita Gross Domestic Product exceeded USD 7,000, trade and investment increased, foreign currency reserves reached six billion US dollars, and our sovereign credit rating attained a historic high.

The past Year of the Snake was also a historic year in which Mongolia’s foreign policy and international relations expanded and strengthened further. State visits of enduring significance were undertaken, enhancing Mongolia’s standing on the international stage and promoting to the world our rich history, remarkable culture, and proud legacy.

Our scholars, children, youth, and representatives of the arts and sports elevated the honor of the homeland and the dignity of the Mongolian people, astonishing the world with their intellect, endurance, courage, and talent, and bringing pride and joy to our nation.

My beloved people of Mongolia,
Dear Mongolian brothers and sisters,
The Great Chinggis Khaan is the supreme and sacred figure of the Mongolian State and people.

To revere, uphold, follow, and promote the glory, deeds, and wisdom of the Great Khaan is the noble duty of us who safeguard the hearth and flame of the Great Mongol State.

Accordingly, the President has issued and implemented decrees to honor and enshrine the sacred portrait of Great Chinggis Khaan; to reconstruct the ancient capital city of Kharkhorum; to revere and promote the morin khuur, a symbol of Mongolian national pride; and to newly compile a comprehensive 30-volume History of Mongolia.

In addition to establishing the Great Khaan’s Museum, creating and respectfully enshrining the Golden Statue of Great Chinggis Khaan, the Great White Banner, and the State Seal of Khasbuu, an initiative was proposed to designate a “World Horse Day” in honor of the Mongolian horse, a source of national pride. This initiative has been approved by the United Nations General Assembly.

Thus, a fine tradition is being established whereby countries around the world will celebrate this day on the date of our National Naadam Festival.

In the coming Year of the Fire Horse, we will commemorate the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Great Mongol State by Great Chinggis Khaan.

On this significant anniversary, a decree has been issued by the President of Mongolia to confer upon the Great Khaan the title “Chinggis,” and to designate Khar Zurkh Mountain—where the revered name “Chinggis Khaan” was first proclaimed—as a State-sacred site at the threshold of the Year of the Fire Horse.

Furthermore, in order to safeguard the precious jewel of water, protect its sources, and preserve its purity, it is my pleasure to inform the people that Khuvsgul Lake—originating in ancient geological ages and serving as the source of surface freshwater in Central Asia, nurturing all people, flora, and fauna across Mongolian lands—has been designated as a State-sacred lake.

Thus, for the first time in its history, the Mongolian State has a State-sacred lake.
The Year of the Horse, illuminated by the benevolent gaze of Great Chinggis Khaan, has through the ages bestowed upon the Mongolian people blessing, strength, and soaring spirit.

In the forthcoming Year of the Fire Horse, let us—State, Government, and people alike—consolidate our achievements, cherish unity, uphold justice, observe tradition, and strive together as one nation to develop our beloved Mongolia.

May the indomitable spirit of the Mongolian people, blazing upon horseback in this Sureer Daragch Year of the Fire Horse, rise like flames of fire. May our elders enjoy peace and well-being, our youth radiate vigor and vitality, our children be lively and bright, the State be stable, religion be pure, and the world be at peace.

May my heaven-blessed Mongolian people, protected by the Eternal Blue Sky and blessed by the sun, and our compatriots residing across the world, celebrate the Lunar New Year in happiness and prosperity."