Ulaanbaatar, September 8, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The 10^th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing were not only major geopolitical events but also strategically interconnected.

During these gatherings, the Heads of State of Mongolia, Russia, and China reached a landmark agreement on the construction of the “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline. In parallel, Russia’s Gazprom and China’s National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) signed a legally binding memorandum to lay a gas pipeline through Mongolian territory, further cementing trilateral energy cooperation.

During the 10^th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Development”, Mongolian Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav met with Russian President Putin for a bilateral discussion. President Putin noted that energy cooperation had been a central focus during his earlier talks with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in Beijing, underscoring the strategic importance of trilateral engagement among Russia, Mongolia, and China.

Both the EEF and the preceding SCO summit have proven highly beneficial for Mongolia, facilitating regional dialogue and advancing joint initiatives in energy infrastructure, including the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline and the Ulaanbaatar gasification project.

Mongolia, Russia, and China have reached a long-awaited agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, representing a major advancement in trilateral cooperation. In addition, the three countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Vladivostok to jointly support the Ulaanbaatar gasification project.

The memorandum was signed by Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan and Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee Vitaly Markelov during Prime Minister Zandanshatar’s meeting with Gazprom executives. The agreement outlines a joint effort to study the feasibility of introducing natural gas infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar, a city currently struggling with air pollution and energy sustainability challenges.

The construction of the Power of Siberia 1 pipeline through China’s Heilongjiang province required the development of new gas fields on the Russian side, involving extensive infrastructure work and investment. In contrast, Power of Siberia-2 will utilize existing deposits. Eliminating the need for new extraction. A distinctive feature of this project is that the pipeline is planned to be laid underground across the Mongolian steppes, a region known for its harsh natural climate and challenging terrain.

During his bilateral meeting in Vladivostok, the legal framework of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project has been resolved, but an equally critical phase involves securing the investment for its implementation. Discussions are now focused on financing strategies and determining the ownership structure among Mongolia, Russia, and China. A joint working group with representatives will be formed to oversee these negotiations. According to sources, the group’s first meeting is expected to be held in Ulaanbaatar.

The Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline is a strategic priority for Mongolia. The project is expected to generate substantial revenue for the state budget, create thousands of jobs, and help reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar – a persistent challenge for the capital. Additionally, access to the ports of Russia’s Far East remains vital for Mongolia, a landlocked country aiming to expand its trade and energy transit routes.

Professor Ulambayar Denzenlkham, Doctor of Science and Professor of International Studies at the University of Humanities of Mongolia, highlighted the long-term impact of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), which has been held annually in Russia’s Far East from 2015 to 2025. He noted that over 2,740 agreements were signed during this period, including 314 agreements in 2014 alone, valued at RUB 5.5 trillion, or approximately USD 68 billion. Participation also grew significantly, with over 1,500 delegates from 25 countries in 2016 and more than 7,000 delegates from 75 countries in 2025.

Professor Ulambayar emphasized the progress made in expanding port capacity in the Russian Far East, a point echoed by President Vladimir Putin during the forum’s plenary meeting. The president referred to infrastructure, including roads, railways, and energy systems, as the ‘main artery’ of economic growth, and credited the forum with driving development and connectivity in the region.  

The planned route of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline through Mongolian territory is considered vital to Mongolia’s energy future and broader economic development.

Since 2016, Mongolia has actively participated in the Eastern Economic Forum, with four presidential-level attendances and seven high-level delegations led by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and key ministers. This consistent engagement reflects Mongolia’s growing interest in the forum’s role in promoting regional cooperation, investment, and strategic partnerships.

During the bilateral meeting at the 10^th EEF, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Mongolia as “Russia’s most reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region”. The statement, made shortly after the trilateral summit in Beijing, highlights the strategic importance of Mongolia in regional energy and infrastructure initiatives.