Ulaanbaatar, January 5, 2026 /MONTSAME/. We spoke with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Czech Republic Gansukh Damdin.

It has been 75 years since diplomatic relations were established between Mongolia and the Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia (the Czech Republic) was one of the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia. Which periods would you highlight in the progression and development of relations between the two countries?

Our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950, exchanged the first ambassadors in 1953, and opened our respective embassies in Ulaanbaatar and Prague in 1956. Cooperation developed intensively between 1960 and 1990. Through Czechoslovak grants and soft loans, dozens of development projects were established in our country, and thousands of young Mongolians studied, trained, and gained professional expertise there.

Czechoslovakia provided significant support in developing the light industry by building industrial sites, such as a shoe factory, sheep and goat skin processing plants, and a chrome leather processing factory in Ulaanbaatar, as well as the First State Central Hospital, a cement plant in Darkhan, and a thermal power plant in Bayan-Ulgii aimag. For instance, the Leather Shoe Factory, built with their assistance, was commissioned in 1982. About 70 percent of its operations were mechanized, with a capacity to produce 3.5 million pairs of shoes annually. The cutting workshop had about 190 employees, and the sewing workshop had over 400.

Since 1990, both countries entered the path of democratic reform, overcame challenges together, and have consistently developed mutually beneficial cooperation based on previous achievements. A clear manifestation of this continuous development is the elevation of our relations to a Comprehensive Partnership on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Czech Republic

Today, relations and cooperation between the two countries are developing at all levels – political, social, and economic. In 2025, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to the Czech Republic, during which relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership. Could you elaborate on the significance of this visit and the partnership?

At the invitation of President Petr Pavel, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to the Czech Republic in March 2025. Elevating the relations to a "Comprehensive Partnership" opened a new chapter in our bilateral cooperation. Mongolia now considers the Czech Republic the second European Union member state with which it has established such a partnership.

We view the Czech Republic as our "third neighbor" and an important partner in Europe, and we aim to consistently expand and develop cooperation in all aspects.

In March 2025, President Khurelsukh paid a state visit to the Czech Republic, elevating bilateral relations to a "Comprehensive Partnership"

By reaching this level of partnership, we have the opportunity to deepen trade and economic ties, strengthen business cooperation, and introduce advanced technology and green solutions in food security, agriculture, and farming. It also allows for joint geological research and mining, cooperation on infrastructure projects like the "Kharkhorum" and "New Zuunmod" cities, and deeper engagement in energy, water management, defense, forestry, and the fight against desertification to meet the development goals of both countries.

Within the framework of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit to the Czech Republic, the "Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between Mongolia and the Czech Republic" was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh for the Mongolian side and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský for the Czech side

Are there prospects for high-level visits from the Czech side to Mongolia in the coming years? As we recall, the last visit was by President Václav Klaus in 2006. We have also heard that the current President, Petr Pavel, supported the transport of Takhi (Przewalski’s horses) via military aircraft when he was the Chief of the General Staff...

In foreign relations, the frequency of high-level mutual visits is very important. President Václav Klaus visited our country in 2006 for the 800th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire. Interestingly, his book "We Wanted More Than Just a Supermarket" (Chtěli Jsme Víc Než Supermarkety) was published in Mongolian. In 2016, President Miloš Zeman participated in the ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar. When I meet him, he fondly remembers his time in Mongolia and the horse he received as a gift.

Regarding the Takhi, since 2011, four horses have been transported from the Prague Zoo to the Khomyn Tal steppe. M. Bobek, the former director of the Prague Zoo, recalls that the Takhi could only be transported in large aircraft. He approached the Czech Armed Forces' General Staff to request the use of a military CASA transport plane. At that time, the current President Petr Pavel was serving as the Chief of the General Staff. Since then, seven successful transports have been carried out using military CASA aircraft.

President Petr Pavel attending the opening of the "Gobi" exhibition at the Prague Zoo

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa has invited President Petr Pavel to visit Mongolia at his convenience. When I once mentioned the story of the Takhi transport to President Petr Pavel, he said, "Yes, my friend told me about the vast Mongolian steppes." A year ago, the Prague Zoo renovated its Takhi enclosure, creating an environment modeled after Bayan Zag, featuring a stone ovoo, a museum, and a permanent exhibition. President Pavel attended that opening.

The Czech contribution to Mongolia's socio-economic development is vast – from discovering the Erdenet copper deposit and conducting geological surveys that paved the way for the mineral sector, to reintroducing the Takhi and building industrial plants. What recent achievements would you highlight?

I previously mentioned the vital role Czechoslovakia played in our development. Before 1990, they were our second-largest partner in terms of investment and trade, following the Soviet Union.

Even though both countries faced socio-economic difficulties after the democratic transition, the Czech Republic was among the first former socialist countries to include Mongolia in its development assistance list. Between 1996 and 2017, they provided over USD 50 million in aid for critical sectors. For example, they automated the engines and controls of Power Plant No. 4, improved water supplies in Erdenet, Murun, and Mandalgobi, handled the transport and burial of toxic chemical sludge from the Khargia treatment plant, and implemented livestock registration and tagging projects.

At the Prague Zoo

The program to reintroduce the Takhi to its native land, which you mentioned, is a symbolic project of our bilateral relations. Since 1959, the Prague Zoo has maintained the international studbook for the Takhi, making an invaluable contribution to global equine research.

Currently, both sides are working to reintroduce the Takhi to the eastern part of Mongolia, near the Numrug Strictly Protected Area. Based on the success and experience of this cooperation, we have also begun collaborating on protecting and increasing the population of other rare animals, such as the Mazaalai (Gobi bear) and the Khavtgai (wild Bactrian camel).

The delegation led by President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa visited the Prague Zoo

Regarding the major projects being implemented between Mongolia and the Czech Republic, which ones would you highlight?

First and foremost, I would like to mention the "Euro Eco Tugul" construction project being implemented in Erdenet by the Czech company Finep Holding. Under this project, which began in 2013, 1,200 apartments built to European standards have already been commissioned, and work is underway to build an additional 900 apartments by 2030. Finep Holding is a major company, ranking among the top three in the Czech construction sector. The "Euro Eco Tugul" complex is perhaps one of the few residential areas outside of Ulaanbaatar built according to European standards and requirements.

Additionally, the Czech company "Khaanzaa," which operates in wastewater treatment, has participated in approximately 200 projects in our country over the past 20 years, including collaborations with the Oyu Tolgoi mine and Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

I should also mention that a brewery with a capacity of 6,000 liters per month was established in Erdenet using Czech investment and technology. This brewery sources its raw materials directly from the Czech Republic.

I am also interested in the current state of trade and investment. How interested are Mongolian entrepreneurs in the Czech market?

Trade turnover between the two countries is increasing annually, and business connections between the two sides are becoming more active. However, the volume of our exports in bilateral trade remains modest. To strengthen ties between entrepreneurs, facilitate business partnerships, and exchange information and experiences, a Business Forum is organized annually.

The Business Forum held in Prague during the state visit of the President of Mongolia

The forum held in Prague this March was the largest ever between our two countries, with over 100 Mongolian and 70 Czech entrepreneurs participating. Furthermore, over the last two years, Czech business representatives have visited provinces such as Arkhangai and Dornogobi to seek cooperation with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This provides local Mongolian entrepreneurs with the opportunity to connect directly with Czech businesses. Currently, more than 400 Mongolian citizens and entities conduct business in the Czech Republic.

For our entrepreneurs, meeting the legal requirements and standards of the European Union remains a challenge for entering the market. However, these difficulties can be overcome through consistent private-sector cooperation. In this regard, our businesses should study and fully utilize the favorable conditions of the EU's GSP+ program, which allows 7,200 types of goods to be exported to the EU market duty-free.

On the other hand, which sectors are Czech investments and interests most concentrated in within Mongolia?

Traditionally, our two countries have maintained broad cooperation in such sectors as mining and minerals, infrastructure, industry, healthcare, agriculture, and construction.

During the state visit of the President of Mongolia to the Czech Republic, a Mongolia–Czech Business Forum was held, at which the Head of State of Mongolia expressed strong interest in cooperating with the highly industrialized Czech side in implementing 14 mega projects aimed at expanding the national economy, including increasing domestic energy production, advancing industrialization, promoting regional development, and constructing new cities. He emphasized Mongolia’s intention to attract Czech investors’ expertise, experience, advanced technology, innovation, and capital.

The Czech side, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to localizing its advanced technology, know-how, and innovations in the above-mentioned sectors, and to supporting business cooperation between the two countries.

What do you consider the most promising sectors for future bilateral cooperation?

The Mongolian people have been familiar with and have long used Czech products for many decades. For example, Škoda vehicles, Karosa buses, Jawa motorcycles, Czech footwear, firearms, crystal, and porcelain have long been well known and widely used in Mongolia. In this regard, opportunities to further expand trade and economic relations remain open at all times.

As landlocked countries, transportation of goods is a particularly important issue for both sides. Mongolia is pursuing a policy of expanding cooperation in railway, road, and air transport with its “third neighbor” countries, among which the Czech Republic holds a significant place. However, due to regional and international circumstances, practical cooperation in the transport and logistics sector continues to face challenges. Nevertheless, Mongolian and Czech enterprises have been actively seeking and implementing new solutions together.

In this context, Mongolia’s Eznis Airways operated the first scheduled direct flights on the Ulaanbaatar–Prague–Ulaanbaatar route for more than three months in 2024, during which approximately 4,500 passengers were transported by the direct service. Although the direct flights have since been suspended for specific reasons, Eznis Airways has clearly demonstrated that cooperation with the Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, has strong potential to establish the country as Mongolia’s second major aviation gateway in Europe after Germany.

In your view, which areas of cooperation are most essential for further strengthening the partnership between the two countries?

The Heads of State of the two countries attached great importance to, and personally participated in, the Business Forum held in Prague, where they delivered keynote addresses.

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa emphasized that “Mongolia seeks to expand economic cooperation with the Czech Republic, implement mutually beneficial projects and programs, and deepen cooperation in such sectors as environmental protection, healthcare, culture, education, sports, tourism, and agriculture.”

President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel likewise underscored that there are extensive opportunities to deepen cooperation across many sectors, including mining, energy, defense, healthcare, and agriculture.

The two Heads of State also exchanged views on addressing global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and food insecurity. The Mongolian side informed that, within the framework of reducing desertification and land degradation and mitigating climate change, Mongolia is implementing the “Billions of Trees” national movement, and noted the potential for cooperation within the framework of the Forest Partnership between Mongolia and the European Union.

The Czech Republic is one of the countries where Mongolian studies have developed strongly. What is the current state of Mongol studies in the Czech Republic? Could you name the leading scholars in this field?

The Center for Mongol Studies was established in 1976 at Charles University, the first university in Central Europe with a history of nearly 700 years. Since its founding, the center has primarily focused on Mongolian linguistics as its core direction. Currently, there are three Mongolists and teachers at Charles University, with 11 students at the bachelor's level, one at the master's, and one at the doctoral level. This indicates that Mongolian studies in the Czech Republic are continuing successfully.

The dedication and intellectual labor of renowned Mongolian and Czech scholars such as Rinchen Byamba, Choj. Luvsanjav, J. Sanjaa, B. Purev-Ochir, J. Luvsandorj, Pavel Poucha, Jaroslav Vacek, and Jiří Šíma are embedded in the research, linguistics, and translations of literature and poetry in the Czech Republic. Carrying on their legacy today are active researchers like Veronika Kapišovská (linguistics), Michal Schwarz (sociology), Ondřej Srba (ancient manuscripts), and Luboš Bělka (religious studies).

The Department of Mongolian Studies at Charles University also publishes "Mongolica Pragensia," an internationally recognized academic journal in the field of Mongolian studies.

Ambassador Gansukh with Czech geologist Mojmír Krauter, who studied and determined the reserves of the Erdenet mine, and the renowned Mongolist, translator, and Ambassador Jiří Šíma

You mentioned that thousands of our citizens live and work in the Czech Republic. You also spoke about students. Could you tell us about the living conditions and welfare of these citizens?

A vital pillar of bilateral cooperation is the relationship between our people. They serve as a strong cultural bridge of mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. Over the past decades, more than 20,000 Mongolians have worked, studied, and gained professional skills in the former Czechoslovakia and, over the last 30 years, in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

The fact that the Czech Republic hosts the largest Mongolian community in Europe is, I believe, a testament to the close and friendly relations between our two countries.

You are concluding your four-year term as Ambassador to the Czech Republic. What would you highlight as the major achievements of your tenure?

In summary, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have organized the state visit of the President of Mongolia during my tenure as Ambassador. During this period, Mongolia and the Czech Republic elevated their relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership, making the Czech Republic the second member state of the European Union with which Mongolia has established such a partnership.

Mongolian citizens working in the Czech Republic have gained the right to receive pensions and to exchange their Mongolian driver’s licenses. Over the past four years, the two sides have concluded nearly twenty bilateral cooperation documents. The number of Mongolian students studying at Czech universities has increased. Initiatives are underway to establish Mongolian language and cultural centers and clubs in three cities where large numbers of Mongolian citizens reside.

We have actively worked to strengthen ties between the private sectors and business communities of the two countries, achieving tangible results. Our Embassy has focused on working closely with citizens and providing state services efficiently, organizing numerous initiatives that have yielded positive outcomes. Furthermore, Mongolian citizens arriving in the Czech Republic under labor contracts now participate in structured orientation programs before departure, enabling them to become better informed about the host country in advance.

How do you envision the future of the relationship between the two countries?

I view the future of bilateral cooperation with great optimism. Cooperation between our two countries has always been built on both tradition and renewal.

Within the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership, the two sides will expand cooperation through the exchange of knowledge, information, and know-how in agriculture and food production. Cooperation will also be intensified in such fields as industry, chemicals, energy, green technology, infrastructure development, civil aviation, climate and environmental protection, water management, waste management, healthcare, tourism, science, innovation, and smart city development.

Many of our young people are currently studying in the Czech Republic in these fields. Approximately 4,000 children reside in the Czech Republic with their parents, and I consistently encourage their parents to ensure that these young people pursue higher education in the Czech Republic.

The Heads of State of both countries have mutually reaffirmed their strong political will and the real potential for expanded cooperation.

Ambassador Gansukh receiving the certificate and insignia of the diplomatic rank of "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary" from President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa

Finally, as an Ambassador, could you share your first impressions upon your arrival in the Czech Republic, and perhaps your most memorable personal experience?

I have many fond and personal memories connected with the Czech Republic. It was the first foreign country I ever visited. More than forty years ago, when I was still a schoolboy, I spent a summer at an international children’s camp in Czechoslovakia. I was originally scheduled to attend the Artek camp, but the assignment was changed, and I unexpectedly found myself traveling to Czechoslovakia instead.

I remember visiting the Prague Zoo and seeing many animals I had never encountered before, including a giant snake. When I returned home and shared this story, people in my hometown found it hard to believe. Our local “khairkhan” (large snake) was quite small by comparison, so it was difficult for them to imagine such a creature. Over time, the memory faded. When I later returned to the Czech Republic as Ambassador, I immediately went back to the zoo, took a photo of the giant “khairkhan,” and sent it to my friends back home.

The Ikh Ekhlelt cooperative of Khashaat soum in Arkhangai aimag once maintained a patronage relationship with a cooperative in Czechoslovakia. As a result, outstanding workers from our soum were able to visit this beautiful country. In 1960, the Czech side donated a diesel power station to Khashaat soum, making it one of the few soums in the country with electric lighting at the time. Elders also recall that Tatra trucks were used by the cooperative. Rare and valuable photographs of people from my hometown are preserved in the Asian Miniature Museum established by the renowned Mongolist Jiří Šíma. These memories connected with the Czech Republic always remind me of my childhood, my homeland, and the people I hold dear.

Opening the "Chinggis Khaan" exhibition and a performance by the Morin Khuur Ensemble in Prague during the state visit of the President of Mongolia