Brussels, 15/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - About to visit to Ulan Bator, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso wants to give fresh momentum to EU-Mongolia bilateral relations which have now been invigorated by a partnership and cooperation agreement.
On 17 November, as part of the first visit to Mongolia by a head of the Commission, Barroso and Mongolia's President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Norovin Altankhuyag will assess the first steps in bilateral cooperation since the signing of a partnership and cooperation agreement in April. This agreement replaces the old trade and cooperation agreement of 1993. The first meeting of the mixed committee called to pilot the agreement took place in September.
The partnership and cooperation agreement aims to strengthen the economic links between the EU and Mongolia - a country of 3 million inhabitants, which is rich in resources (copper, molybdenum, fluorine, tungsten, precious stones, coal and oil) and which is going through an important boom thanks to the development of mining in the Gobi desert, which is supported by foreign capital. The textile industry (25% of the country's exports) is 85% dependent on foreign capital - mainly Chinese. However, despite farming and wheat growing, Mongolia is not able to be self-supporting in food. The partnership and cooperation agreement should also strengthen cooperation on the environment and social cooperation.
“I am looking forward to visiting Mongolia to consolidate and expand our growing bilateral relations. We admire the transition made by Mongolia in recent decades into an open and plural democracy. Mongolia's multi-party system, rule of law, fundamental freedoms and impressive growth rates have earned it the respect of the international community. These are the strong pillars on which we will build our future cooperation”, said Barroso before his departure. During his visit, Barroso will be awarded a doctorate honoris causa by the Mongolian national university and will open the fourth EU film festival. (EH/transl.fl)