The interview with the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia by The Diplomat highlights key aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries and their strategic partnership.
Richard L. Buangan, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, shares his views on the future of cooperation in an interview with The Diplomat.
On January 27, the United States and Mongolia celebrated 39 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which began in 1987 during the Cold War. These diplomatic ties laid the foundation for Mongolia's strategy known as the "Third Neighbor," aimed at strengthening sovereignty and expanding foreign economic relations beyond Russia and China.
In the context of growing global competition and changes in Washington's strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in light of the "America First" policy of Trump's second administration, the strategic partnership between Mongolia and the U.S. has reached a new level of significance.
This important moment was confirmed on January 22, when Mongolian Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav signed the Charter of the Council of Peace in Davos, making Mongolia one of the founders of this international organization initiated by Trump. This marked a significant step in renewing Mongolia's "Third Neighbor" strategy and coincides with the end of the UN mission in South Sudan in 2026, opening new opportunities for Mongolian peacekeepers.
However, not everything is smooth in the relations between Mongolia and the U.S. On February 2, the United States suspended the issuance of immigration visas for Mongolian citizens, categorizing the country as "high risk" due to concerns that its citizens might "illegally receive social benefits." This move has worsened bilateral relations.
Since the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2019, important questions remain about the actual depth of this cooperation. Is it being implemented in practice, or is it merely declarations and symbolic aid that do not address Mongolia's core issues, such as energy security and economic diversification?
In the context of changing dynamics in global relations, Russia and China continue to develop economic ties with Mongolia, as demonstrated during two recent diplomatic visits in February 2026. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong visited Ulaanbaatar to reaffirm Beijing's political priorities, while the Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament, Uchrala Nyam-Osor, held a working meeting in Moscow to discuss energy cooperation.
To understand what is happening and its implications for future relations between Mongolia and the U.S., Sumyaa Chuluunbaatar conducted an exclusive interview with Ambassador Richard L. Buangan, who has held this position since November 2022.
Buangan, a diplomat with years of experience in East Asia, has served in his role during a significant period marked by Secretary of State Antony Blinken's historic visit to Mongolia in August 2024 and the early months of Trump's second term, when Mongolia became one of the founders of the Council of Peace.
While in Mongolia, Buangan emphasized community-oriented diplomacy: he studied traditional Mongolian writing, participated in cultural events such as Naadam and Tsagaan Sar, and traveled extensively across the country, engaging with local residents. He described the Mongolians as "hospitable and open," which he believes resonates with American values. His stance on bilateral relations is based on significant achievements in security, education, and development, while also highlighting existing structural barriers that hinder the realization of the full potential for both countries.
ANNIVERSARY DATES
Buangan began the conversation by noting that 2026 will be "special" for both countries, linking the 39th anniversary of diplomatic relations with two significant events: the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, dubbed "Freedom 250," and the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. "These are two important milestones, and we have many plans," he stated, emphasizing hopes for cooperation with Mongolia in celebrating these anniversaries and strengthening the partnership.
While symbolic anniversaries create a foundation for cooperation, Buangan emphasized the real investments that have defined bilateral relations. A key element of this cooperation is the $462 million Water Resources Agreement of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which concludes in March 2026. This project, in which Mongolia is investing $112 million, will increase clean water supplies in Ulaanbaatar by 80%, helping to address issues caused by rural migration.
"This is a concrete symbol of the long-term U.S. commitment to partnership with Mongolia," Buangan noted, adding that the agreement reflects the Trump administration's commitment to supporting recipient countries' self-sufficiency through sustainable development.
This important project is complemented by initiatives to expand Mongolia's global economic relations. In February 2026, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia signed a technical assistance agreement for Mongolia to achieve Category 1 (CAT 1) safety status from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. USTDA emphasized that this could be a game changer, ensuring safe air travel between the countries and facilitating the export of Mongolia's vital mineral resources to new global markets.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SEVEN YEARS ON
Seven years after the announcement of the strategic partnership between Mongolia and the U.S., Buangan assessed its achievements, emphasizing that the United States is Mongolia's most consistent "third neighbor." "Despite the distance, we take pride in being Mongolia's 'third neighbor' and take this seriously," he said, highlighting three areas of progress that have strengthened the partnership amid global changes.
First, defense and security cooperation has become the foundation of relations, aligning with Mongolia's neutral policy and U.S. priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. Buangan noted the importance of the annual multilateral Khaan Quest exercises conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army Pacific Command, which involved 24 countries in 2025.
"We are actively working to strengthen defense cooperation, helping to modernize and professionalize the Mongolian Armed Forces, and the results are evident," Buangan added.
Mongolia ranks among the top countries in the world for the number of UN peacekeepers per capita, with over 23,000 troops deployed in various international missions, underscoring its role as a responsible global participant and a reliable partner for the U.S.
Second, educational and cultural ties have created a solid foundation for a partnership that extends beyond political circumstances. Buangan noted that this is one of the most significant themes, as "people-to-people connections are the foundation of everything we do." He mentioned that about 1,500 Mongolian students study in the U.S. each year, while only about 100 Americans study in Mongolia.
Since 1991, around 1,500 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Mongolia, with 50 actively working in local communities. Over 39 years, more than 8,000 Mongolians have participated in exchange programs, creating a network of connections between the peoples.
However, structural issues remain, such as new visa restrictions that may hinder mobility, despite U.S. efforts to support sustainable development.
Third, the countries have deepened cooperation in economic diversification and the extraction of critical minerals, aligning with the strategies of both nations. Buangan pointed to the vast potential for mutually beneficial investments due to Mongolia's extensive mineral reserves, such as copper and lithium.
He also mentioned Mongolia's recent participation in the U.S. ministerial conference on critical minerals, where Foreign Minister Battsereg Batmunkh represented the country among 53 participants to strengthen supply chains.
Buangan praised Mongolia's participation in the Council of Peace as a "historic initiative," noting that it opens new opportunities for the country on the global stage.
Mongolia presented its membership in the Council as consistent with its neutral policy and emphasized that this body is not a military alliance but a platform for cooperation based on respect for sovereignty.
Buangan agreed that this initiative will allow Mongolia to strengthen its position on the international stage while developing its partnership with the U.S.
"AMERICA FIRST," SOVEREIGNTY, AND COOPERATION IN REFORMS
The main topic of our conversation was the U.S. National Security Strategy through 2025 and its impact on Mongolian-American relations, especially in light of Mongolia's decision to become one of the founders of the Council of Peace.
Buangan dismissed assumptions that this policy indicates isolationism. "'America First' does not mean 'America alone,'" he emphasized. "It implies a more purposeful and strategic approach in our foreign policy."
He noted that the priority is cooperation that brings tangible benefits to both the American people and partners, including Mongolia. This means that the U.S. respects Mongolia's multi-vector approach and its neutrality in international affairs.
Buangan confirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting internal reforms in Mongolia, including the launch of the second phase of the transparency project, which will begin in December 2025. He also noted that Mongolia faces challenges such as high levels of corruption, which hinder investment and trade.
When asked about the possibility of a U.S. presidential visit to Mongolia, which has not occurred since 2005, Buangan did not confirm specific plans but emphasized the importance of bilateral engagement.
"President Trump is actively involved in the affairs of the Indo-Pacific region, as evidenced by his active contribution to the APEC summit in 2025," he noted, adding that the meeting between the Mongolian Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State at the conference in Washington also confirms the high level of engagement.
FINAL REFLECTIONS
In conclusion, Buangan expressed confidence in the future of Mongolian-American relations, based on values and mutual respect. Thirty-nine years of diplomatic relations and seven years of strategic partnership have created strong ties that continue to evolve.
For Mongolia, the U.S. remains an important "third neighbor," supporting its sovereignty, democracy, and economic development amid global competition. The U.S. sees Mongolia as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region and an important player in ensuring the resilience of critical supply chains.
Buangan emphasized the importance of human connections as the foundation of bilateral partnership, helping to prevent empty rhetoric and laying the groundwork for further cooperation for decades to come.
In the context of geopolitical instability, the partnership between the U.S. and Mongolia serves as a powerful example of what sovereign states can achieve by cooperating based on shared values and mutual respect.
Author: Sumyaa Chuluunbaatar — economist and international affairs expert. Sumyaa currently works as a freelance researcher at the Institute of International Studies of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Translation: MiddleAsianNews
Source: The Diplomat
