Italy and Mongolia will begin cooperation in all areas. One of the most significant agreements signed is the Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Mineral Resources and Critical Materials.
December 2 became a landmark day for both countries. During the visit of the President of Mongolia to Rome, the governments of Italy and Mongolia agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership by signing a joint declaration. President Khurelsukh Ukhna was received at the Quirinal by Sergio Mattarella. The first business forum took place at Villa Madama, where nine cooperation agreements were signed, including one on rare earth metals, which will be officially finalized tomorrow.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that for an industrial country like Italy, access to raw materials is critically important. He emphasized that Rome is actively working with Mongolia on the procurement of rare earth metals. "Critical raw materials are just one of the sectors we are interested in," he added during the business forum while speaking with his colleague Battsereg Batmunkh.
Additionally, Tajani discussed opportunities for cooperation in the aerospace sector (Ulaanbaatar has tasked Thales Alenia Space with developing its first satellite), as well as in areas such as tourism, culture, investment, and fashion.
"You have raw materials of exceptional quality, including cashmere and wool. We have one of the most significant fashion industries in the world. The combination of these qualities can lead to the creation of outstanding products," Tajani noted while addressing Mongolian entrepreneurs during his speech.
Battsereg supported this idea, stating, "In Mongolia, we have raw materials of the highest quality, and Italy has the technology to process them." By collaborating, we can create a global quality brand. The business forum, organized by Farnesina together with ICE, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and SACE, became a platform for discussing cooperation opportunities in logistics, energy, infrastructure, mining and manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. ICE President Matthew Zoppas noted that Italy's exports to Mongolia are still limited: in 2024, they amounted to €77 million, but from January to August 2025, they had already reached €55 million. "Companies in Mongolia will need to make significant investments in the next ten years," he added.
Mongolian Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Light Industry Enkhbayar Jadamba emphasized, "Italy can assist us in all sectors with its technologies. We need to deepen cooperation and develop trade ties to stimulate our relations."
The most significant of the signed agreements was the Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Mineral Resources and Critical Materials, signed by Minister Adolfo Urso and Minister of Mining Damdinyam Gongor, and then jointly with Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. This agreement marks the beginning of bilateral cooperation on rare earth metals against the backdrop of growing concerns about supply security. Mongolia has significant mining potential in Central Asia, and cooperation with Italy is part of a strategy to diversify supply sources.
During the visit of President Khurelsukh Ukhna of Mongolia to Italy, various cooperation agreements were signed.
The Agreement on International Road Transport was signed by Minister of Roads and Transport Delgersaikhan Borhuu and Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Ricci.
Now, carriers will have the opportunity to deliver goods to Europe without hindrance and organize freight transport between the two countries under the TIR Convention. This will significantly expand foreign trade, especially in the cashmere segment, which is an important export product for Mongolia.
The "Cooperation Program in Education, Culture, Science, and Sports for 2025–2028" was signed by Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Undram Chinbat and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.
This agreement will develop cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and sports, with exchanges of teachers and students organized for 2025–2028, as well as mutual exhibitions and cultural events.
The "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia and the Ministry of Tourism of the Italian Republic" was signed by Minister Undram Chinbat and Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè.
This memorandum will create opportunities to support business cooperation and simplify tourist travel routes between the two countries.
The "Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Field of Basic Minerals and Raw Materials" was signed by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinyam Gongor, Minister of Production of Italy Adolfo Urso, and Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.
Thus, the parties expressed their intention to develop mutually beneficial and sustainable trade, ensuring transparent investments in key minerals and cooperating in the fields of geology, extraction, processing, and disposal, following the standards of the World Trade Organization and the International Labour Organization.
The "Memorandum of Understanding between the Main Directorate for Emergency Situations of Mongolia and the Civil Protection Agency of the Italian Republic" was signed by Major General Ariunbuyan Gombojav and the Head of the Department of International Cooperation of the Civil Protection Agency Luigi D'Angelo.
The parties will implement joint projects to strengthen national capacity in disaster response, providing technical assistance in developing risk assessment and reduction strategies, as well as offering mutual assistance during emergencies.
Antonio Tajani emphasized that Italy aims to expand its presence in Mongolia and encourage its companies to export and invest in this "friendly" country with "democratic traditions" and "positive ties" with the European Union. He added that Italy could be a good advocate for Mongolia's interests in Brussels. The minister noted that "exports are growing," and Italy is purchasing "high-quality" products. "This opens new avenues for strengthening relations that will benefit our peoples," concluded Tajani.
Tatar S.Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
