During a visit to Brussels on Tuesday 2 May, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the Mongolian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tsend Munkh-Orgil, welcomed the progress made in their bilateral cooperation. This includes the adaptation of EU aid to efforts made by Mongolia in the area of structural reforms, strengthening its trade cooperation and supporting efforts towards the economic diversification of the country.
Ms Mogherini and Mr Munkh-Orgil stated that they were looking forward to stepping up their bilateral relationship by way of the on-going EU work to increase the latter’s presence in Oulan Bator, as well as the conclusion and future entry into force of the EU/Mongolia partnership and cooperation agreement.
The different parties also discussed foreign affairs questions, particularly developments on the Korean peninsula, in addition to the political, economic and security dynamics in Eurasia. They were keen to emphasise their “common interest” in a stable and prosperous Northeast Asia, underpinned by open markets and the rule of law.
The EU is the third largest trading partner of Mongolia and the country enjoys trade preferences under the SPG system.
European development aid to Mongolia more than doubled and between 2007-13 and increased from €30 million to €65 million between 2014-20 (see EUROPE 11726). (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)