Ulaanbaatar, May 22, 2024 /MONTSAME/. Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav received President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal Assembly (Parliament) of Switzerland Laurent Wehrli on May 21, 2024.

Chairman Zandanshatar noted that May 22, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Switzerland, and expressed gratitude for organizing significant events to expand and strengthen the relations and cooperation of the two countries. Mr. Zandanshatar mentioned the First-day-of-issuance Ceremony of the postage stamps commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. 

President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland Laurent Wehrli expressed satisfaction over meeting with the Chairman of the State Great Khural and noted the 60th-anniversary postage stamps depicting nature, animals, and culture of the two countries became a historic mark of friendly relations. Furthermore, Mr. Laurent Wehrli mentioned that Mongolia is a partner with common values of democracy, human rights, and peace and the country highly regards the contributions of the Government of Mongolia, the State Great Khural, and the Mongolian people towards strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. 

Chairman Zandanshatar emphasized that Switzerland is an important partner and a “third neighbor” in Europe and noted that the people of Mongolia appreciate the contributions of Switzerland to Mongolian social and economic development, and mentioned Mongolia’s commitment to expanding cooperation in all possible fields including trade, economy, food, agriculture, environment, governance and education. Mr. Zandanshatar added that the Swiss development programs in Mongolia’s agriculture, mining, education, and other fields made significant contributions to reducing poverty, improving the living conditions of Mongolians, diversifying the economy, and strengthening democratic governance. 

Chairman Zandanshatar expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government for its financial assistance of USD 215 thousand for alleviating the impacts of dzud, and to the Swiss Development Agency for its support and active participation in the “Trans-Altai Sustainability Dialogue” International Conference.

The two sides mentioned that the two countries have been actively cooperating in the framework of international organizations, and affirmed their commitment to continuing this cooperation. The two sides concurred that the digital D-Parliament system is of high significance in reflecting public opinion in legislation and making the voice of the people heard in decision-making, ensuring the people’s right to governance.