According to MiddleAsianNews, the meeting took place on March 17, 2026, in Mongolia.
The meeting, chaired by State Secretary Mönkhtüshig Lkhanaajav and Michael George DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, included representatives from several ministries, including the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Digital Development.
Michael George DeSombre and Mönkhtüshig Lkhanaajav
During the consultations, the participants discussed ongoing projects and programs aimed at developing the strategic partnership of the "Third Neighbor" between Mongolia and the USA, as well as preparations for launching direct flights. The prospects for expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, education, and culture were also considered.
The parties highly appreciated the successful completion of the Water Cooperation Agreement implemented by the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation, which has become a symbol of bilateral relations. The possibility of similar cooperation in other mutually beneficial areas was discussed.
Prior to this meeting, there was a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Enkhbayar Jadamba and U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan.
Next year, in 2027, the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the United States will be celebrated.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established on January 27, 1987, when Nyamdorj Genden, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN, and George Shultz, U.S. Secretary of State, signed a memorandum of understanding. The opening of the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar took place on April 17, 1988, and the Mongolian Embassy in Washington began operations in March 1989, which contributed to strengthening bilateral ties.
On the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Mongolia and the USA aim to deepen their partnership within the framework of the "strategic third neighbor" concept, focusing on practical results of cooperation. This was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Economy and Development Enkhbayar Jadamba and U.S. Ambassador Richard Buangan.
During the discussion, the minister presented the current state of key economic sectors in Mongolia, the macroeconomic situation, and measures aimed at improving the business climate and investment. He also emphasized the expansion of energy capacities and infrastructure, as well as prospects for cooperation in these areas.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation in intensive livestock farming and increasing the competitiveness of agricultural products, as well as collaboration with North America under a temporary trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
According to a study conducted in 2023, about 50,000 people of Mongolian descent live in the USA, of which 30,000 are registered as Mongolians, and 75% of them were born in Mongolia and later immigrated to the USA.
The U.S. Department of State also published a "Joint Statement on the Results of the Annual Bilateral Consultations with Mongolia."
The text of the joint statement was published by the governments of Mongolia and the USA in connection with the annual bilateral consultations.
Beginning of the text:
On March 17, the 17th annual bilateral consultation between representatives of Mongolia and the USA took place in Ulaanbaatar.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Michael George DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Mönkhtüshig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. It also included the ambassadors of both countries, Richard Buangan and Batbayar Ölzidulger, as well as representatives from various ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of State.
The parties confirmed their common interests in global peace, democracy, and economic prosperity, expressed support for the strategic partnership of the "Third Neighbor," and discussed the completion of the implementation of the $462 million water resources agreement.
Additionally, issues of developing bilateral and regional cooperation in the field of peace and security, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, were discussed. The USA noted Mongolia's commitment to actively participate in international peacekeeping missions.
Issues of supporting freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and other human rights were also discussed. The parties emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges and regular dialogue, as well as agreed to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in the energy sector.
Interest was also expressed in cooperation in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and clean energy. Both sides agreed that creating a predictable and transparent business climate is essential for increasing trade and investment.
The parties agreed to continue working to strengthen people-to-people ties through educational and cultural exchanges, as well as promoting the English language in Mongolia.
The next annual bilateral consultations are scheduled for 2027 in Washington.
End of the text.
