Posted:
04.06.2024 12:01:00
Belarus — Mongolia: on the threshold of a qualitatively new stage in co-operation development
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has paid a state visit to Mongolia
BELTA
After the official meeting ceremony, the leaders of the countries proceeded to the building of the State Palace, where the President of Belarus made an entry in the Book of Honoured Guests, “I am impressed by the beauty of the country of the permanently blue sky and the hospitality of our Mongolian friends. Belarus is interested in strengthening co-operation with Mongolia in all areas. I am confident that our states are on the threshold of a qualitatively new stage in the development of bilateral co-operation.”
The negotiations started in a narrow format. A traditional Mongolian yurt, installed in one of the halls of the State Palace, was chosen as the place for the presidents’ meeting.
“Despite the fact that this is the first state visit of the first President of Belarus to Mongolia, our countries have long-standing friendly relations. The basis of our relations was definitely created by very close and warm relations during the Soviet Union times. We fought together against the invaders and occupiers, and restored our lives together. We have come today as ambassadors of goodwill, as your friends, in order to deepen and expand our relations,” the Belarusian leader emphasised. Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that the backbone of any state-to-state relations is the economy.
The official negotiations continued in an expanded format. The two leaders discussed promising areas of collaboration to maximise the potential of Belarus–Mongolia relations. First of all, the presidents discussed the possibilities for expanding co-operation in the trade and economic sector, supplies of in-demand food and industrial products of domestic enterprises to the Mongolian market, as well as joint work in the agro-industrial complex.
“We do not suffer from gigantomania. We are well aware of our relations and our place in Mongolia’s relations with other countries. We would like to start with something good with you — three-four projects so that we can convince your people, the country’s leadership, journalists, and your opposition of what we are capable of. Let us determine three or four projects, and we will show you that we can co-operate with you no worse than you do with great empires [large and influential countries in the world — Editor’s note],” remarked the Head of the Belarusian State during the negotiations.
Aleksandr Lukashenko invited the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, and his team to pay a visit to Belarus in order to personally see the country’s level of development and welfare. The Belarusian leader is convinced that the talks in Mongolia will give a new impetus to the relations between the two countries. The President of Belarus recalled his first visit to Mongolia in 1992 as a deputy. “I can see amazing changes in your country’s development,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed, speaking about Mongolia’s positive transformations. “Today, looking at Ulaanbaatar, I am astonished. New buildings and structures have appeared. Progress is visible at every step, starting from the airport. I congratulate you on this huge progress.”
The President of Belarus also expressed support for Mongolia’s foreign policy, “This is the only right way. Sandwiched between two empires, the largest states, you conduct your foreign policy in a very subtle and careful manner, balancing between these forces. I know how difficult it is for you to stay afloat and improve the well-being of your people.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the current period for Mongolia is associated with a very difficult, important and turning point, referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections. “You possess enormous resources and huge wealth. This is your great benefit. However, this benefit needs to be preserved and protected because the world has gone mad nowadays. Only force is respected. One needs to be strong in order to survive in this frenzied world. I sincerely wish you to be strong in order to survive in this world and make the Mongolian people deservedly rich and great,” the President of Belarus noted. “The great Chinggis Khaan, whom you worship for a good reason — after all, you have a great history — always taught that in order to achieve something, everyone needs to do their job in their place, while the authorities should be tough, hard as a fist. No one can hold power with outstretched fingers.”
The President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, stated during the expanded talks, “It is very pleasant to recall that more than 30 years ago, you visited Mongolia at the very historical moment when diplomatic relations were established between our countries. Your state visit will open a new page in the good and trusting relations between our peoples. This is a historic visit that will strengthen our relations and co-operation.”
Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh noted the traditionally friendly and cordial relations between Belarus and Mongolia, and the intensification of mutual visits at various levels. The Mongolian leader also stressed that the true relations of co-operation between the Mongolian and Belarusian peoples had a much longer period than since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Following the talks, an official document signing ceremony was held in Ulaanbaatar. The heads of two states, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, signed an agreement on friendly relations and co-operation between Belarus and Mongolia. In total, 14 different documents were signed on the development of bilateral co-operation in various fields, following the official negotiations at the highest level. In addition to the agreement signed by the presidents, the most significant is the co-operation roadmap between Belarus and Mongolia until 2026.
During a meeting with media representatives following the official talks, Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus intended to foster collaboration with Mongolia in a wide range of areas.
The President of Belarus also expressed support for Mongolia’s foreign policy, “This is the only right way. Sandwiched between two empires, the largest states, you conduct your foreign policy in a very subtle and careful manner, balancing between these forces. I know how difficult it is for you to stay afloat and improve the well-being of your people.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the current period for Mongolia is associated with a very difficult, important and turning point, referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections. “You possess enormous resources and huge wealth. This is your great benefit. However, this benefit needs to be preserved and protected because the world has gone mad nowadays. Only force is respected. One needs to be strong in order to survive in this frenzied world. I sincerely wish you to be strong in order to survive in this world and make the Mongolian people deservedly rich and great,” the President of Belarus noted. “The great Chinggis Khaan, whom you worship for a good reason — after all, you have a great history — always taught that in order to achieve something, everyone needs to do their job in their place, while the authorities should be tough, hard as a fist. No one can hold power with outstretched fingers.”
The President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, stated during the expanded talks, “It is very pleasant to recall that more than 30 years ago, you visited Mongolia at the very historical moment when diplomatic relations were established between our countries. Your state visit will open a new page in the good and trusting relations between our peoples. This is a historic visit that will strengthen our relations and co-operation.”
Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh noted the traditionally friendly and cordial relations between Belarus and Mongolia, and the intensification of mutual visits at various levels. The Mongolian leader also stressed that the true relations of co-operation between the Mongolian and Belarusian peoples had a much longer period than since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Following the talks, an official document signing ceremony was held in Ulaanbaatar. The heads of two states, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, signed an agreement on friendly relations and co-operation between Belarus and Mongolia. In total, 14 different documents were signed on the development of bilateral co-operation in various fields, following the official negotiations at the highest level. In addition to the agreement signed by the presidents, the most significant is the co-operation roadmap between Belarus and Mongolia until 2026.
During a meeting with media representatives following the official talks, Aleksandr Lukashenko confirmed that Belarus intended to foster collaboration with Mongolia in a wide range of areas.
“Today we have identified strategic directions for bilateral collaboration. Not only strategic ones, though. We have discussed in detail specific economic and co-operation projects. I told you yesterday and today that we would like to have at least three concrete projects for development. However, the documents that we have signed today show that this is much more than three projects,” the Belarusian leader pointed out. “Each project meets the goals and objectives of such national programmes of Mongolia as Vision 2050, Food Revolution, Billion Trees, and more.”
The parties have agreed on the supply of Belarusian mining machinery, agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as emergency response vehicles. They have also discussed the possibility of training Mongolian citizens to work with this machinery, and increasing the number of Mongolian students in Belarus. The President of Belarus spoke in favour of the creation of joint assembly plants in Mongolia, including for tractors, cars, elevators, and dump trucks, where Mongolian youth would have a chance to undergo a traineeship. If the volume of supplies increases, the parties will set up joint ventures. Mongolian residents are familiar with Belarusian light industry and food products, and appreciate them for high quality and affordable price. Therefore, Belarus is interested in ramping up the volume and expanding the range of supplies. “We are considering the possibility of opening specialised Belarusian trading platforms,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. “Belarus is committed to long-term mutually beneficial co-operation, therefore we are ready to use preferential financing mechanisms for projects, among other things.”
Belarus supports Ulaanbaatar’s aspiration to conclude an interim trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) by the end of this year, which opens the way to boost mutual trade turnover, as well as increase Mongolian exports not only to Belarus. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the time has come to focus efforts on that. “For our part, we will give back as good as we get. Our consumers are interested in your high quality products. Goods such as cashmere, wool and leather products enjoy great popularity in our country. We are ready to render support to the Mongolian side in opening branded stores in Belarus, including in Minsk,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised.
In addition to the economy, the talks also discussed interaction in the fields of science and education, environmental protection, culture, media, sports, and tourism. There is a common interest in liaising in the field of security, law enforcement, and emergency response.
Belarus supports Ulaanbaatar’s aspiration to conclude an interim trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) by the end of this year, which opens the way to boost mutual trade turnover, as well as increase Mongolian exports not only to Belarus. Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the time has come to focus efforts on that. “For our part, we will give back as good as we get. Our consumers are interested in your high quality products. Goods such as cashmere, wool and leather products enjoy great popularity in our country. We are ready to render support to the Mongolian side in opening branded stores in Belarus, including in Minsk,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised.
In addition to the economy, the talks also discussed interaction in the fields of science and education, environmental protection, culture, media, sports, and tourism. There is a common interest in liaising in the field of security, law enforcement, and emergency response.
The Head of Belarusian State drew attention to the fact that in addition to 14 bilateral documents signed following the official negotiations, over a dozen different contracts were concluded within the framework of the joint business forum in the Mongolian capital.
In turn, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh noted when summing up the results of the negotiations, “We have thoroughly discussed and exchanged views on the
implementation of projects and programmes aimed at enriching our relations with economic content. They will undoubtedly contribute to the development of our relations, bring economic benefits to both countries and become an iconic symbol in bilateral relations.”
In turn, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh noted when summing up the results of the negotiations, “We have thoroughly discussed and exchanged views on the
implementation of projects and programmes aimed at enriching our relations with economic content. They will undoubtedly contribute to the development of our relations, bring economic benefits to both countries and become an iconic symbol in bilateral relations.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar
On June 2nd, the President of Belarus visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, which welcomes such distinguished guests not every day. The meeting was accompanied by a red carpet and the honour guard company. The Belarusian leader was greeted by Mongolian Culture Minister Nomin Chinbat and Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg.
The museum named after a great Mongolian khan was opened in 2022, in honour of Chinggis Khaan’s 860th anniversary. It is a major cultural, educational and research centre which keeps the chronicle of Mongolia from the time of the Huns Empire (the first nomadic state) until the 20th century. Actually, these are nine floors of history, whose unique exhibits have been brought from different parts of the world. The artefacts related to Chinggis Khaan and the Mongol Empire have been collected in 14 countries.
The museum keeps utensils and clothing, tools and weapons, chain mail and harness, all kinds of jewellery, household items, paintings, and sculptures. There is even a mirror made of jade, as well as the largest image of Chinggis Khaan made on a cashmere canvas. A statue of the commander made of pure gold is also exhibited there.
The museum’s Director General, Sampildondov Chuluun, took Aleksandr Lukashenko for an excursion, showing him, for example, the hall with a silver tree. The latter was made by Italian craftsmen, and it symbolises Mongolia's historical connection with Europe.
During the tour of the museum, the Head of State left an entry in the Book of Honoured Guests, “The museum’s exposition dedicated to the centuries-old history of Mongolia arouses admiration. The awe, love and inspiration of the Mongolian people in the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of their Homeland deserve deep respect. I wish the management and staff of the museum further success and new achievements in this noble mission.”
Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by
