Sima Malhotra
The UK Minister highlighted key areas for investment, including education, the Ulaanbaatar metro project, and cooperation in mineral resources.
MiddleAsianNews presents an interview with Sima Malhotra, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Region.
From March 23 to 25, Sima Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific Region, visited Mongolia. On the last day of the visit, she met with students learning English as part of a teacher training project.
— What are your impressions of your first visit to Mongolia? What moments were the most memorable?
— This visit was my first, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the welcome. I am here as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific Region, and this experience was particularly important to me.
During the visit, I also co-chaired our annual political dialogue with Deputy Foreign Minister Amartuvshin Gombosuren and met with the Prime Minister. We discussed the future of bilateral relations between the UK and Mongolia, which have a history of over 60 years, starting from the moment when the UK was the first in the Western world to recognize Mongolia and establish diplomatic relations.
These relations symbolize our shared democratic values and the importance of investments in connections between peoples. The interaction of our governments, parliamentarians, media, and civil society is crucial for creating a secure and prosperous future for both countries.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone I had the opportunity to speak with. It was a busy visit during which we discussed contemporary challenges and the paths for mutual progress necessary for a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow. Thank you very much.
— At a recent roundtable meeting between Mongolia and the UK, cooperation on the Ulaanbaatar metro project was discussed. Can you tell us more about this?
— I was pleased to co-chair the annual political dialogue and observe the progress made. The Ulaanbaatar metro project is a visionary initiative that will change life in the capital and become a key project for Mongolia.
It is important that British experts have provided advice and support for Mongolia's development. Additionally, thanks to UK Export Finance, there is an opportunity to provide significant assistance to this project in the future. Long-term projects like this contribute to reducing traffic congestion, lowering pollution, and developing public transport, which brings significant economic benefits.
Our discussions on cooperation in critical minerals were also very productive. Mongolia has great potential in this area. During the visit, I visited Oyu Tolgoi to familiarize myself with existing partnerships and the focus on sustainable development and responsible resource extraction.
Given the global conflicts and challenges to the rules-based international order that both Mongolia and the UK support, it becomes important to focus on economic security and diversified supply chains. The potential for deepening cooperation between the UK, which has experience in the mining sector, and Mongolia is significant, especially within the framework of the UK's critical minerals strategy.
I saw this at the Critical Minerals Conference in Washington, where I met with the Mongolian Foreign Minister and discussed recent exchanges between ministers.
I am pleased to note that we are also developing cooperation in new technologies and renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable future. British expertise and university research can have a significant impact, as can the continuation of our cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
Investments in education are particularly important. We are shaping the next generation of leaders by teaching them, including the English language. I was pleased to meet with Chevening scholars, of whom there have been over 200 since 1993, with another 20 joining this year.
These efforts help nurture future leaders who will be vital for the development of our economy and society, as well as for strengthening ties between nations. I am proud that we are doing this.
— What policy or legislative changes could help attract more British investment to Mongolia?
— There is enormous potential for deepening cooperation with British companies and mutual learning. It is important to create a trustworthy business environment where disputes are resolved efficiently and contracts and terms are clear and transparent.
In the context of fierce global competition, it is crucial to instill confidence in investors. Whether it is about renewable energy, mining, infrastructure projects like the Ulaanbaatar metro, or sectors such as technology and education, businesses need a stable and well-regulated environment to operate.
Key factors for successful investments include a high level of professional competence, a reliable legal and regulatory framework, and conditions that foster long-term partnerships.
— How is the implementation of the second phase of the "Overcoming Language Barriers" project, signed in December 2025, progressing? Will there be a third phase?
— We must continue to build on the successes achieved. The progress in English language teaching within our partnership is something to be proud of. Over 147,000 children across Mongolia have gained access to high-quality English language education.
This impact is felt not only in cities but also in rural areas. Young people say that learning the language has opened new opportunities for them and given them access to a broader world.
I also express my gratitude to everyone who supports language teaching development, especially teachers. About 750 educators have been trained, and many of them noted how this has strengthened their own skills and improved teaching effectiveness. This contributes to creating long-term potential and developing leadership qualities in Mongolia's education system, as well as bringing satisfaction from supporting young learners.
— How do you assess the current state of civil society and its future?
— I am proud of our collaborative work in support of civil society. This is important as the relationship between the UK and Mongolia is based on shared democratic values. Maintaining an active civic space is crucial for the health of our democracies.
During my visit, I supported the "Youth for Change" program and saw its positive results. This initiative collaborates with over 25 youth organizations, helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to initiate change in Mongolia.
Investing in civil society is investing in leadership and creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and political leadership. This allows for nurturing a new generation of public and political leaders who make decisions based on real experience.
I am grateful for the strong partnerships we have developed, including cooperation with local and national institutions in Mongolia. We are investing in the next generation of leaders and continuing to strengthen our ties.
Thank you for your time.
