During the meeting, Defense Minister Batlout Damba discussed with Corinne Pereira, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France to Mongolia, the current state and future plans for defense cooperation. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
At the beginning of the conversation, the minister noted the progress in diplomatic relations between the two countries, based on shared values, and expressed hope for achieving a level of "strategic partnership" in the future.
He also thanked the French side for its significant contribution to the development of the Armed Forces' capabilities, emphasizing that defense cooperation is becoming increasingly substantive each year.
The minister paid special attention to the fact that the continuous teaching of the French language at the Mongolian National Defense University opens new opportunities for military personnel, allowing them to participate in international peacekeeping operations and enhance their qualifications in France.
Batlout Damba also expressed a desire to deepen cooperation, offering opportunities for Mongolian military personnel to study at academies and universities in France, as well as participate in international peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN.
At the end of the meeting, the minister wished success to the ambassador and the military attaché of Mongolia in China, expressing confidence in the further development of friendly relations between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between Mongolia and France were established in 1965. Mongolia considers France as a "third neighbor," alongside its immediate neighbors—Russia and China—with which it has long-standing friendly ties, making France an important partner in Europe.
France, in turn, views Mongolia as a "privileged partner in Asia" and actively supports the democratic reforms initiated in Mongolia after the peaceful revolution of 1990. Both countries are developing cooperation based on common principles such as respect for human rights, adherence to international law, and promotion of sustainable development.
Political relations between France and Mongolia are characterized by regular high-level meetings.
President Emmanuel Macron made a historic state visit to Mongolia in May 2023, marking a significant step in deepening Franco-Mongolian partnership, emphasizing dynamics in the fields of economy, science, culture, and defense.
In a reciprocal visit, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhna traveled to France in October 2023 at Macron's invitation.
