Foreign Minister Battsetseg Holds Official Talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia

Politics
m.sambuunyam@montsame.gov.mn
2023-09-13 18:34:51

Ulaanbaatar, September 13, 2023 /MONTSAME/. Foreign Minister of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh, who is on an Official Visit to the Commonwealth of Australia, held official talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Penelope Ying-Yen Wong on September 13, 2023. 


Recognizing the solemn celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Commonwealth of Australia in 2022, the Foreign Ministers assessed the current state of relations and cooperation between the two countries. They  expressed their contentment with the active expansion and development of cooperation in political, defense, mining, education, and humanitarian sectors and strengthening of people-to-people ties under the "Extended Partnership" over the past 50 years. 



The Parties acknowledged the need to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership by fostering relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Australia, based on the scope and potential of the cooperation. Moreover, the Ministers agreed to enhance the frequency of high and highest-level visits and political dialogue between the two countries. 


Foreign Minister Battsetseg emphasized the ample opportunities for advancing trade, investment, and economic ties while expanding cooperation in agriculture, culture, and tourism sectors between Mongolia and Australia. Furthermore, she expressed Mongolia's intention to closely cooperate in establishing Agreements on Air Transport and Social Protection as part of strengthening the legal framework. 



Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her confidence that the Official Visit of the Foreign Minister of Mongolia to Australia would play a vital role in further developing relations and cooperation between the two countries. She also expressed her satisfaction that relations between Mongolia and the Commonwealth of Australia are deepening within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted the commitment of Australia to strengthening cooperation with Mongolia in various fields, including gender equality and climate change. 



The Parties underlined that the Australia Awards Scholarship is making concrete contributions to Mongolia's social and economic development and the capacity building of its human resources. The Foreign Ministers also noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Australia Awards Program in Mongolia, during which more than 700 Mongolians have received the scholarship and the parties agreed to increase the number of awardees starting this year. Noting the successful implementation of the "Work and Holiday" Visa Program, the Foreign Ministers affirmed their mutual commitment to expanding the Visa Program to include more citizens from both countries.


The Mongolian side expressed gratitude to the Australian side for providing AUD 250,000 in humanitarian assistance in response to the adverse humanitarian situation caused by severe flooding in Mongolia. Australia channeled its assistance through the Mongolian Red Cross Society. 



During the Mongolian Foreign Minister’s Official Visit to Australia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Mongolia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Commonwealth of Australia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The two sides consider the Memorandum of Cooperation as significant in mutual consultations on international and regional issues, exchanging and involving diplomats from Mongolia and Australia in training, and enhancing cooperation between the MFA and the DFAT. 


Following the meeting, Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg met with Mongolian students studying in Australia under the Australia Awards Scholarship. 



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