Ulaanbaatar, July 19, 2024 /MONTSAME/. MONTSAME National News Agency of Mongolia interviewed Stefanie Burri, Head of the Swiss Cooperation Agency and Consular Agency (SDC) in Mongolia.

Thank you for taking the time to give an interview with us. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Swiss Confederation. Can you briefly tell us about the developments and strides made in the relations of the two countries?

Thank you very much for your time and your interest. We are always happy to exchange ideas, views, and approaches.

The relations between Mongolia and Switzerland started in 1964 when the two countries established diplomatic relations. During this time, the two countries had normal exchanges and interactions, with a textile factory coming to Mongolia for business purposes only. However, real cooperation started with the opening of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Office in Mongolia in 2004.

In 2001, Mongolia had a severe dzud, a natural disaster, even worse than now, and the Mongolian Government asked Switzerland for assistance. That's why we came here and supported Mongolian herders. We provided monetary assistance for them to buy new livestock and fodder. This was a difficult time, and without the aid, many herders would have had to migrate to Ulaanbaatar and leave their herder lifestyles.

After this support, we decided to open an Office in Mongolia in 2004, and slowly, the humanitarian aid shifted to more developed bilateral relations. I think we have had excellent results because we collaborated with partners at all levels, from citizens, and NGOs to the Government. We have cooperated on the micro level with the civil societies, and NGOs, in meso with the local governments, and in the macro with the national government.

This is why the seeds we planted in 2004, with projects in education, governance, democracy, air pollution, agriculture, food security, and so on, grew into strong trees. And because we worked with all levels, these trees bore good fruits that we can harvest today and in the future. I’m sure that this venture will continue beyond the SDC office here.

Among the many important and fruitful projects and programs of the SDC in Mongolia, which was most effective or had the most impact?

We've achieved significant success through various projects, starting with our collaboration with herders, which began in response to the 2001 dzud crisis. Recognizing the recurring nature of these disasters, compounded by issues like overgrazing and poor pasture management, we partnered with the Mongolian Ministries to establish a livestock registration database. This initiative, now managed by the government, ensures traceability and facilitates legitimate meat sales and animal vaccinations, leading to healthier livestock and higher-quality wool and leather production.

In conjunction, we supported the herder’s association to empower herders in improving product quality, securing better market prices, and promoting sustainable pasture practices. Overgrazing remains a significant challenge, addressed in part by diversifying livestock beyond cashmere goats to include camels and yaks, whose wool and eco-friendly grazing habits offer alternative incomes.

The technical assistance in enhancing yak wool quality and promoting yak milk and leather has transformed these products into high-quality goods. For instance, Mongolian yak leather, once hindered by veterinary issues, now produces premium items like handmade footballs with traceable origins and responsible production practices certified via QR codes.

The Responsible Nomads brand, now under Mongolian Government ownership, ensures products from goats, camels, and yaks originate from responsibly managed pastures, deterring overgrazing. QR code labels provide consumers with transparency, reinforcing Mongolian authenticity and responsible production standards, thereby commanding higher market value.

Collaborations with entities like the Hu Band and Hunnu Brand leverage traceable yak leather to create merchandise with assured Mongolian origin, fetching premium prices due to its provenance and sustainability.

Lastly, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a Swiss cheese expert collaborated with APU company to create Friendship Cheese from Mongolian cow milk, showcasing our commitment to cultural exchange and quality products.

It is interesting to see what products can be made using Swiss technology and Mongolian materials. What prospects of cooperation does the SDC have in Mongolia?

Our success in achieving project goals is rooted in our collaboration with the Government of Mongolia at the macro level. Projects like the “Strengthening Representative Bodies in Mongolia” initiative and partnerships with the State Great Khural (Parliament) for example have strengthened Parliamentary oversight to government oversight. Looking ahead, the SDC's future in Mongolia is focused on supporting democratic processes and advancing good governance practices. We are committed to continuing our assistance to the Mongolian Government, including our ongoing support for the parliamentary service project, which has proven successful and led to a renewed contract with the State Great Khural. Despite closing our SDC office, traditionally marking the end of project engagement, the positive outcomes in Mongolia have garnered continued support from the Swiss Parliament. This commitment was reaffirmed with a new agreement signed in May 2024, highlighting the enduring partnership between the Swiss Parliament and the Mongolian Parliament.

Recognizing the crucial role of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia in safeguarding democracy and human rights, we have initiated a new project to enhance its capacity. This court ensures law enforcement and safeguards democratic principles, underscoring the importance of our support. This initiative formalized with an agreement in May 2024, demonstrates our ongoing dedication to strengthening Mongolia's democratic institutions.

Does this mean the bilateral relations of the two countries would move to another level?

I’m convinced that every country experiences humanitarian disasters at times. Just last week, Switzerland faced severe floods that destroyed many villages and caused significant property damage. Those affected need solidarity, as well as aid in the form of goods and money to rebuild their homes and communities. Thus, every country occasionally faces such catastrophes and may either manage them internally or call for external support. Switzerland stands ready to assist if the Mongolian government requests help.

I believe that any bilateral cooperation between two countries inherently contains a hierarchical dimension, with donor countries often taking a leading role. In the past, Switzerland has engaged in such dynamics by providing funding and support. However, we aspire to elevate our relationship to a new level. We envision a future where Switzerland and Mongolia engage in a true partnership of equals, marked by mutual respect and equal financial contributions.

This partnership should be mutually beneficial, reflecting a one-to-one collaboration where both countries contribute and gain equally. We are also convinced that Mongolia has much to offer to the world, and there is a great deal that other countries can learn from Mongolia. Allow me to share an example:

Last year, a delegation of government representatives from the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Tajikistan visited Mongolia to study the experience of decentralization reform in the country.  The delegation was inspired by seeing the results of the SDC’s decentralization support program in Mongolia, namely the improved accessibility of public services. Just one concrete example of the program results is that people can now get their ID cards from khoroo (sub-district) service centers instead of going to their district’s Public Service Centre.

Democracy in Mongolia is a model, a “star in the sky.” Countries come here to see sustainable achievements of projects like the "One Stop Service Center," and Mongolia can proudly showcase the results, sharing their experiences and lessons learned. This often sparks curiosity and interest from other nations. For instance, visitors from Laos, Cambodia, and Tajikistan returned to their home countries inspired by Mongolia's example. They are eager to revisit, and we believe that many other countries can also learn valuable lessons here. This truly exemplifies a win-win situation.

Therefore, it is all about new, evolving modalities. Let me share a humanitarian example: our collaboration with the Bundan NGO, led by Dr. B. Boldsaikhan, through the “Heart Never Forget” Project. We've supported this initiative twice and witnessed their remarkable work. They expanded their efforts to Kyrgyzstan and received requests from North Korea and Afghanistan. Together, we developed a regional project, now including children in need from these countries alongside those in Mongolia.

Additionally, doctors and surgical staff from these countries come to Mongolia for training and capacity building. They return home to support their health systems and save children. This project goes beyond humanitarian aid; it's also an initiative for peace. When countries work together, it fosters dialogue and builds friendships between people and organizations, ultimately supporting peace.

Peace is key for both Mongolia and Switzerland. Our countries share strong values of neutrality, gender equality, respect for human rights, and peace. These shared values make our nations quite similar, and we aim to further strengthen them in the future. Our collaboration includes not only concrete projects but also joint interests. The recent Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, for instance, was a mutual effort to build and strengthen peace through dialogue.

Switzerland is one of the major trading partners of Mongolia. The trade turnover between the two countries was USD 30 thousand 20 years ago, which increased 50 times to USD 1.7 billion today. However, most of the exports from Mongolia to Switzerland are minerals. For example, 97 percent of gold exports from Mongolia go to Switzerland. Is there a way for Switzerland to diversify the variety of goods imported from Mongolia?

Yes, you're right. We are the second most important export country for Mongolia. Nearly 100% of Mongolian gold is exported to Switzerland.

Our collaboration with the Central Bank of Mongolia began in 2005 with a project to support artisanal miners. These miners often used child labor and environmentally harmful methods and lacked legal and social benefits. We introduced eco-friendly methodologies, discouraged child labor, and helped establish a mining association. Today, with support from SDC and the Mongolian Government, artisanal mining is legally recognized, providing miners with social benefits and eco-friendly techniques, enabling them to access the fair-trade gold market.

We also worked with the Central Bank of Mongolia to set up a decentralized gold assaying and purchasing center, known as One Stop Service Center, like one in Darkhan City, where miners can smelt, test, and sell their gold. This system simplifies the process, ensures transparency, and reduces risks for miners. It's a win-win, legalizing gold sales for miners and cutting off illegal trade for the Central Bank.

Additionally, the Central Bank issued silver banknotes commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Switzerland, designed by us and printed on real silver. We are now working to link the Central Bank of Mongolia with the Bank of Switzerland and collaborating with the Ministry of Finance on fair-trade gold.

For the 60th anniversary, a commemorative postage stamp was also issued, featuring the national costumes, musical instruments, nature, and flowers of both countries. We revived a traditional Mongolian flute with the help of the HU Band and conservatory, leading to its inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage List last year.

Connecting these achievements demonstrates sustainable success; isolated accomplishments often lack sustainability.

You have introduced many products made with yak wool and leather. Can Switzerland increase the imports of such products other than gold?

Yak wool products are becoming popular in Switzerland, and camel wool products are also entering the international market. Mongolia needs to innovate and create unique products for export due to the higher cost of Mongolian goods compared to Chinese ones. Improved manufacturing practices, increased salaries, and fair-trade initiatives mean that Mongolian products cannot compete with cheaper offerings from countries like Myanmar or Bangladesh.

To succeed, Mongolian products must be traceable and responsible. Without traceability, other countries will copy and undercut prices. Developing creative, high-value niche products is essential.

Domestically, there is much potential for improvement. For example, Mongolia could produce its own cheese instead of importing from France and Switzerland. The success of the Potato Project, introduced in 2010, made Mongolia self-sufficient in potato production. This was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when borders were closed. Similarly, efforts to improve vegetable production and seed quality have adapted to Mongolia’s climate but still only meet 70% of domestic demand.

Mongolia should focus on covering its domestic market needs first, such as producing enough cheese locally. Meeting international standards and addressing supply and transportation chains are also crucial. Ensuring quality and quantity will help Mongolia form a strong customer base in the international market.

What challenges have you faced during your work in Mongolia?

The winter weather can be cold, and dealing with air pollution has its challenges. However, Mongolia enjoys beautiful sunshine every day, even in winter.

I'm fortunate to have a wonderful team supporting me, and I've found excellent partners—from herders to NGOs and the Government—at every level. Our cooperation has been outstanding, pushing boundaries and thinking creatively together. Instead of focusing on what's lacking, we strive to utilize existing resources optimally. This approach makes life enjoyable and fulfilling.

Over the past four years, I've traveled extensively across Mongolia, discovering its breathtaking landscapes. I find inspiration and new ideas outside the office, engaging with people across different aimags. Each region has its own beauty; I particularly cherish memories of the Altai Mountains and I loved it when we went to see the reindeer. Recently, I enjoyed a camel day trip, and wherever I go, Mongolia's abundant sunshine fills me with joy and wonder.

Mongolia preserves nomadic culture. Compared to Switzerland, what do you find most interesting about nomadic culture?

Mongolians are incredibly peaceful, friendly, and welcoming people. Wherever I travel, I am greeted warmly and graciously. It's truly beautiful, and I am always deeply moved by their openness.

I have also come to appreciate the unique Mongolian concept of time and space. Learning to say, “Okay, let’s see tomorrow,” has taught me to be less stressed and more patient. I hope to carry this valuable perspective back home with me.

In Mongolia, I have also learned about their peaceful approach to problem-solving. Discussions and disagreements are typically resolved in a calm manner, which I find admirable. This openness and relaxed attitude towards life resonate with me deeply. It feels like embracing the flow of life itself—a continuous and evolving process.

The Silver Tree from Kharakhorum City, now represented in the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, symbolizes this enduring spirit of life. It represents strength and growth, reminding me that life is an ongoing journey of growth and renewal.

We can see many similarities between Mongolia and Switzerland, such as music, wrestling, and seeking peace. What other similarities do we have?

Mongolia and Switzerland share similar cultural elements, such as cheese-making traditions using goat and cow milk. In Mongolia, wrestlers known as Bukh competes on grass, while in Switzerland, Schwinger wrestlers compete on sawdust. Wrestling is deeply rooted and popular in both countries, with Switzerland even crowning an annual champion known as the "King."

Both Mongolia and Switzerland are landlocked countries surrounded by powerful neighbors. Mongolia is influenced by Russia and China, while Switzerland shares borders with Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. Both nations must navigate their relationships carefully; decisions made by neighboring countries can significantly impact them. This necessitates constant negotiation and balance in transport infrastructure and foreign policy areas.

This shared experience fosters strong dialogue skills in both countries, essential for maintaining their democratic systems and neutrality. The ability to negotiate and find common ground with neighbors is crucial for both Mongolia and Switzerland in ensuring stability and autonomy for the future.

Thank you very much.