According to MiddleAsianNews, on March 17, 2026, the 17th political consultation took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the U.S. Department of State.
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Mönkhtushig Lkhanaajav, and the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Michael George DeSombre. Representatives from the Ministries of Economic Development, Defense, Industry and Mineral Resources, as well as Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications also participated in the discussion.
During the meeting, the results and current status of projects and programs implemented under the strategic partnership "Third Neighbor" between Mongolia and the USA were discussed, including preparations for the launch of direct flights. The parties also considered opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, education, and culture, and identified priority areas for future collaboration.
Participants of the meeting highly appreciated the successful completion of the Water Cooperation Agreement, implemented with the support of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation. This agreement has become a symbol of bilateral relations and was completed on time and within budget, which also opened opportunities for further cooperation in other mutually beneficial areas.
Before this meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, Enkhbayar Jadamba, met with the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, Richard Buangan.
In 2027, Mongolia and the USA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
The diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the USA were officially established on January 27, 1987, when Mongolia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Nyamdorj Genden, and U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz signed a memorandum of understanding. Subsequently, on April 17, 1988, the U.S. Embassy opened in Ulaanbaatar, and in March 1989, the Embassy of Mongolia in Washington opened, which contributed to strengthening ties between the two countries.
In anticipation of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both sides aim to deepen their partnership within the framework of the "strategic third neighbor" concept, focusing on economic aspects and practical results. This was the topic of discussion between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Enkhbayar Jadamba and U.S. Ambassador Richard Buangan.
During the meeting, the minister provided information on the current state of key sectors of Mongolia's economy, macroeconomic indicators, and government initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the investment climate.
Additionally, efforts to increase energy capacity, develop infrastructure, and opportunities for cooperation were discussed. The importance of engagement with North America, especially in the livestock and meat industry, as well as the competitiveness of agricultural products in the context of a temporary trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, were also topics of discussion.
According to a 2023 study, the number of Mongolians living in the USA is about 50,000, of which approximately 30,000 are registered as Mongolians, and 75% of them were born in Mongolia before immigrating to the USA.
The State Department also presented a "Joint Statement on the Results of the Annual Bilateral Consultations between the USA and Mongolia."
The text of the following statement, published by the governments of Mongolia and the USA, contains information about the results of the annual bilateral consultations.
Beginning of the text:
On March 17, representatives of the USA and Mongolia held the 17th annual bilateral consultation in Ulaanbaatar.
Co-chaired by Michael George DeSombre and Mönkhtushig Lkhanaajav, the meeting also included U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan, Mongolian Ambassador to the USA Batbayar Olziidelger, as well as representatives from various ministries of both countries.
Both sides noted their common interests in maintaining global peace, democracy, and economic prosperity, and reaffirmed their commitment to the strategic partnership "Third Neighbor." The successful completion of the water resources agreement, valued at $462 million, was also discussed.
During the discussions, issues of bilateral and regional cooperation in the field of peace and security were raised, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. The USA supported Mongolia's desire to increase its contribution to international stability and security, including participation in peacekeeping missions. Both sides emphasized the need for responsible tourism and the protection of human rights.
The parties confirmed the importance of high-level visits and regular dialogue, as well as their readiness to explore opportunities for expanding energy cooperation, which would contribute to long-term economic growth. They expressed interest in engaging in the field of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and identified key areas for further cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to continue developing people-to-people ties through educational and cultural exchanges.
The USA and Mongolia confirmed their intention to maintain high-level bilateral visits and hold the next annual consultations in 2027 in Washington.
End of the text.
