The UK and Mongolia held their first political dialogue on February 26, 2025, focusing on cooperation in areas like international law, economic growth, climate change, and gender equality. The ministers affirmed their commitment to democratic values and discussed various initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and mutual development.
The inaugural UK-Mongolia political dialogue took place in London on February 26, 2025, highlighting the importance of respecting sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity. British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to discuss strengthening their partnership based on shared values and an evolving economic relationship.
During the discussions, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter in light of increasing geopolitical tensions, urging all states to respect territorial integrity and political independence. They agreed to collaborate in upholding international law and advancing shared democratic principles.
Economic cooperation was a focal point, with commitments to enhance trade and investment volumes. The Ministers aimed to reduce trade barriers and facilitate conditions conducive to stable business environments, alongside discussions regarding UK Export Finance’s role in the Ulaanbaatar metro system project.
Addressing climate change was also prioritized, with both ministers agreeing to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). They acknowledged funding support from the UK to help Mongolia achieve its climate objectives and emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to mobilize investments for climate initiatives.
The commitment to gender equality was reinforced, with particular attention to increasing female representation in government. Minister West praised Mongolia’s progress in electing female parliamentarians and supporting a target of 40% female candidates by 2028, signifying a joint commitment towards gender empowerment ahead of the upcoming anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
On critical minerals, both countries recognized the importance of responsible extraction practices while preserving Mongolia’s environment. The Ministers vowed to maintain high standards in mining operations and enhance skills development within Mongolia through a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.
Strong people-to-people connections between the UK and Mongolia were emphasized, particularly through scholarship initiatives. Minister West expressed support for English language education in Mongolia, while both sides discussed expanding higher education opportunities and partnerships between their universities, along with cultural exchanges slated for future exhibitions.
Overall, the meeting underscored the significance of civil society in democratic discourse, with commitments to engage a wide range of organizations to strengthen public debate. Both ministers expressed anticipation for future high-level interactions aimed at deepening bilateral ties, with Vice Prime Minister Amarsaikhan also meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas to explore trade and economic cooperation.
The first UK-Mongolia political dialogue established a strong framework for enhancing bilateral relations through cooperation on key issues such as economic growth, climate action, gender equality, and responsible mining practices. Both nations committed to fostering democratic values and strengthening people-to-people ties, laying the groundwork for future engagements and mutual development.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
