Brussels, 30/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On a vist to Ulan Bator, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will also take part in the seventh ministerial meeting of the community of democracies.
As part of the first visit to Mongolia of an EU high representative for foreign affairs - to Ulan Bator on 28-30 April - Ashton has signed, together with the Mongolan authorities, the partnership and cooperation agreement that will replace the trade and cooperation agreement which has governed bilateral relations between the 27 EU member states and their Asian partner since 1993. “This agreement will pave the way for much closer contact between us”, Ashton said before her trip. The EU is thus following the way shown by the United States, which has strengthened its links with Mongolia since the visit of former president Bush in 2005.
The agreement will strengthen the economic ties between the EU and this country of 3 million inhabitants - a country which is rich in resources. Mongolia has mineral resources, such as copper, molybdenum, fluorite and tungsten, and is also endowed with gold and precious stones, coal and oil. It is currently experiencing a big economic boom thanks to the development of mining in the Gobi Desert, supported by foreign captial. The textile industry, which counts for 25% of Mongolia's exports, is 85% dependent on foreign capital - mostly Chinese. Despite livestock farming and wheat growing, Mongolia is unable to be self-supporting in food. The agreement will also ensure deeper cooperation on the environment and social issues.
As well as the bilateral meetings with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Prime Minister Norovin Altankhuyag and Minister for Foreign Affairs Luvsanvandan Bold on 28-29 April, Ashton also took part in the seventh ministerial meeting of the community of democracies on 29-30 April - an intergovernmental organisation of democratic countries, or countries in democratic transition, which have the common objective of strengthening and promoting democracy across the world. (EH/transl.fl)