Mongolia wants to increase imports of oil, petroleum products from Kazakhstan www.interfax.com

The authorities of Mongolia and Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of developing cooperation in the energy and mining sectors, according to a statement on the website of the Mongolian Industry and Natural Resources Ministry.

Mongolian Industry Minister Gankhuyagiin Dambinyam held a meeting with Kazakh First Deputy Trade and Integration Minister Aizhan Bizhanova to discuss the expansion of bilateral cooperation, the statement said.

"The sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in the areas of mineral exploration and mining, petroleum products and nuclear energy, with Mongolia proposing a long-term agreement on the import of crude oil and petroleum products from Kazakhstan," it said.

It was noted that Kazakhstan expressed support for this initiative.

The sides also discussed potential joint projects in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the area of gold refining. The authorities of both countries agreed to cooperate in the aforementioned areas by signing a memorandum of understanding.

Kazakhstan is one of Mongolia's main economic partners in Central Asia. According to data from the Mongolian General Customs Administration, total trade turnover with Kazakhstan in 2025 amounted to $58.4 million, up 7.7% compared to the previous year. Petroleum products account for only 1.5% of the import structure.

As reported, in summer last year, the authorities of Mongolia and Kazakhstan announced their intention to increase bilateral trade turnover to $500 million. To achieve this goal, the sides agreed to create new short transport routes and logistics corridors.

It was also reported that Mongolia is looking for ways to diversify its imports amid the military operation being carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, which prompted a rise in global oil prices. In order to mitigate the impact of rising oil selling prices in the country, the Mongolian authorities decided to adjust customs duties on imports of petroleum products from Russia. Russia is the main supplier (95%) of petroleum products to Mongolia.

Chairman Uchral Holds Talks with Chairman Zhao Leji www.montsame.mn

Chairman of the State Great Khural and Chairman of the Mongolian People’s Party, Uchral Nyam-Osor, is paying an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from March 22–24, 2026, at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.

During the visit, he met and held talks with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Zhao LejiZhao LejiZhao LejiZhao LejiZhao LejiZhao Leji.

Chairman of the State Great Khural Uchral expressed his pleasure at commencing his first official foreign visit, in his capacity as Chairman of the Mongolian People’s Party, with China. He congratulated Chairman Zhao Leji, noting that the National People’s Congress, under his leadership, plays an important role in strengthening China’s position globally and advancing political reforms.

He also congratulated the successful convening of the Fourth Session of the National People’s Congress and the final approval of the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China. Chairman Uchral conveyed greetings from President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, and expressed Mongolia’s readiness to welcome President Xi Jinping at a time convenient for him.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed Mongolia’s consistent support for the “One China” policy and emphasized that relations, cooperation, and mutual trust between the ruling parties and legislative bodies of the two countries hold an important place in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and China. He noted with satisfaction the active exchanges, reciprocal visits, and the longstanding friendly relations between the two legislatures.

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji expressed his pleasure at meeting Chairman Uchral and noted with satisfaction that relations and cooperation between China and its close neighbor Mongolia have deepened and expanded across all sectors in recent years.
He also reaffirmed that China respects Mongolia’s independence, sovereignty, and the development path chosen by its people.

Mongolia-UK Roundtable Meeting Held www.montsame.mn

The 16th Mongolia-UK Roundtable Meeting was held on March 23 in Ulaanbaatar.

The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Amartuvshin Gombosuren and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Seema Malhotra, with participation from representatives of relevant ministries.

During the meeting, the two sides highlighted that Mongolia-UK relations and cooperation have been actively developing thanks to the efforts of both parties. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the frequency of political dialogue, elevating relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, fully utilizing the potential of trade, economic, and investment cooperation, and further expanding collaboration, particularly in culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

In this context, the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in the following areas: civil society, Ulaanbaatar metro project, English language education, trade and investment, and critical minerals.

They also exchanged views on climate change, energy transition, and other issues attracting international attention, and expressed their commitment to continue cooperating to successfully host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which will take place in Mongolia this August.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular political dialogue between Mongolia and the UK and exchanged views on certain regional and international issues.

Residents of Uvs province express support for bill to recall Parliament members www.gogo.mn

President U.Khurelsukh visited Uvs province and met with local residents and workers.

During the meeting, he presented the country’s current socio-economic situation and the progress of the national movements he initiated.

According to the province leadership, national movements and programs such as “Food Revolution,” “Billion Trees,” “Healthy Mongolian People,” “White Gold,” and “President’s Scholar- 2100” have made a significant contribution to local development, education, health care, business capacity building, job creation, and environmental protection.

Residents attending the meeting also expressed full support for the bill to recall Parliament members, which was initiated by the President.

More than 140 enterprises in Uvs province have benefited from preferential long-term loans under the “Food Revolution” program, helping to expand production capacity and create jobs. In addition, 1,055 students are studying in 21 countries under the “President’s Scholar- 2100” scholarship program, including more than 40 students from Uvs province.

As part of development work in the province, the First School, the General Hospital, and the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant have been expanded, while the western region highway, the Uvs Nuur–Ulaangom road, and the west bypass road have been renovated.

Construction has also begun on a 163-km road connecting Uvs and Khovd provinces. In the future, construction is planned for a 164-km road linking Ulaangom with Khandgait, as well as roads to Sagil soum, a grain storage warehouse, and schools in Bukhmurun and Undurkhangai soums.

Governor E.Nasanbat said Uvs province will focus on strengthening public-private sector cooperation to further develop agriculture, tourism, cross-border trade, and renewable energy, while also diversifying the economy, improving livestock and processing industries, and raising residents’ incomes and livelihoods.

He added that the province is also working to improve livestock breeding and productivity, as livestock remains the main driver of the local economy. Uvs province raises Bayad sheep, Ulgiin red goats, and Tes horses, and continues to supply its branded products, including jamts salt and sea buckthorn, to domestic and foreign markets.

During the meeting, President U.Khurelsukh also presented state awards and medals to honored individuals.

B.Enkhbayar: L.Oyun-Erdene made four of the six offtake agreements. He is talking about the corruption that he received www.gogo.mn

Former Prime Minister and MP L.Oyun-Erdene has called for an investigation into Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs B.Enkhbayar, claiming the Minister may have received a donation of USD 1.3 million from the “Bodi” group. L.Oyun-Erdene made the statement during his appearance on NTV’s Lkhagviin Toim program and officially submitted a request to the Independent Authority Against Corruption on March 23, 2026.

In response, Minister B.Enkhbayar and Deputy Minister D.Munkh-Erdene strongly denied the allegations and criticized L.Oyun-Erdene’s claims.

B.Enkhbayar, Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs:
“L.Oyun-Erdene said there were witnesses who saw me receiving money. Those people should come forward and speak for themselves. He also mentioned a two-hour recording, then broadcast it in full, live. What are you waiting for?”

“I have no words for this. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating many issues related to him and the associated group. Even today, the citizen who claimed ‘the 14th floor was robbed’ came forward and gave information publicly. That person will be placed under witness protection. Once the cases are established, they start spreading false information to protect themselves, taking advantage of the fact that defamation is not covered in the Criminal Code. T.Ayursaikhan needs to speak now, and B.Gankhuyag will speak soon.”

B.Enkhbayar also addressed claims about a house in Artsatiin Am, saying, “I was the first to point out that coal thieves live there. It seems they are now trying to make me look like them. I think L.Oyun-Erdene is not mentally stable. He is talking about the corruption that he received. He made four of the six offtake agreements. The motives are to put me in this situation. I am ready to debate with L.Oyun-Erdene.”

D.Munkh-Erdene, Deputy Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs:
“Everything L.Oyun-Erdene said is slander. This is how he tries to push honest people aside. Soon, evidence will come out, and the truth will be revealed. I was even falsely accused of working for the ‘Bodi’ company.”

Munkh-Erdene added that several cases involving Oyun-Erdene are under investigation by authorities. “They directly allowed the use of 66 hectares of land on the state border, received money for their private companies under the guise of offtake agreements and advertisements, and acted arbitrarily under a veil of secrecy. They are spreading slander to hide these actions,” he said.

Speaker Visits Beijing Robotics Industrial Park www.montsame.mn

Chairman of the Mongolian People’s Party and Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament), Uchral Nyam-Osor, is visiting China on March 22-24, 2026, at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.  

During the visit, he toured the Beijing Robotics Industrial Park. As part of its ambition to become a global leader in robotics application, Beijing has established a smart robotics industrial model park in the Yizhuang Economic-Technological Development Area in Daxing District.

The Park integrates all levels of robotics technology development and application, forming a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that includes key components and full production supply chains.

Currently, more than 100 companies specializing in humanoid robots, medical robots, specialized robots, and robotics components are based in the park. Products for the domestic market are developed in Chinese-language mode, while export products are produced in both Chinese and English modes.

The Park also features Beijing’s first robotics exhibition center, which includes the world’s first embodied intelligent robot 4S store, known as “Robot World,” China’s first robot-themed modern restaurant “Robot Kitchen,” a national robotics testing and evaluation center, an industrial incubator, and a robotics developers’ community. These platforms collectively serve as a major hub for industrial innovation at both municipal and national levels.

As a result, the park has become a key platform for showcasing Beijing’s robotics industry to the world, demonstrating the full process from research and development to practical application of embodied intelligent technologies, and promoting international cooperation and technological exchange. 

45th Anniversary of the First Mongolian in Space Marked www.montsame.mn

Mongolia marked the 45th anniversary of the first Mongolian traveling to space, achieved through a joint Soviet–Mongolian space mission.

On March 22, 1981, at 22:59 (Ulaanbaatar time), a joint Mongolian–Soviet crew consisting of cosmonauts Gurragchaa Jugderdemid and Vladimir Aleksandrovich Dzhanibekov launched aboard the Soyuz-39 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the former Soviet Union. 

They successfully returned to Earth on March 30 at 19:42. The crew spent 7 days, 20 hours, and 42 minutes in space, orbiting the Earth 124 times.
While humanity first traveled to space in 1961, exactly 20 years later, a Mongolian became one of those pioneers. Mongolia thus became the fifth country in the world to test its own technology in space, the 20th to develop and utilize space research equipment during a mission, and the 10th to send a human into space. Gurragchaa entered history as the first Mongolian, the second Asian, and the 101st human to travel into space.

During the mission, the Mongolian–Soviet crew conducted extensive photographic studies in areas such as mineral resources, zoology, and geography, which contributed valuable data to various sectors. In particular, the findings proved useful for fisheries in different countries. The crew also carried out scientific experiments in medicine, biology, physical technology, and remote sensing, laying the foundation for the development of space research in Mongolia.

Cosmonaut Gurragchaa studied at a flight training school in Frunze, USSR, in 1971, and later at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy in Moscow in 1973. From 1978, he trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center alongside M. Ganzorig. At the time, he held the rank of captain in the Mongolian People’s Army. Following his spaceflight, he was awarded the titles of Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic and Hero of the Soviet Union, and promoted to major. Cosmonaut V.A. Dzhanibekov was also awarded the title of Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic.

MONTSAME Agency provided full coverage of this historic event, delivering news of the first Mongolian spaceflight to audiences around the world.

Reports and photographs produced by MONTSAME correspondents were disseminated through Mongolian radio, television, the newspaper Unen, and all major domestic media outlets, as well as internationally in Russian, English, French, and Chinese. The mission was covered by MONTSAME’s Moscow correspondent Galdan T., analyst Bazarvaani D., literary secretary Chagdar Ch., photographers Nina Ts. and Batsukh S., teletype operator Byambajav J., and translator Sukhbaatar Ya., who was then an editor at the State Committee for Radio and Television. MONTSAME correspondent Galdan T. also conducted the first brief interview with the cosmonauts upon their return to Earth.

Photojournalists from MONTSAME were stationed on special assignment at “Star City,” where the Mongolian–Soviet crew trained, between 1978 and 1981, documenting the entire preparation process through photographs.

Mongolia has once again proven to be an island of freedom, according to the World Freedom Index www.open.kg

A fresh report from Freedom House was released in 2026.

“The human rights organization Freedom House has presented its annual report titled ‘Freedom in the World 2026’. In this study, Mongolia has once again been recognized as a ‘free country’. Experts assigned a score of 84 out of 100, reflecting the level of democratic institutions in the Land of Eternal Blue Sky,” reports MiddleAsianNews.

The classification of a country or region according to the ‘Freedom in the World’ indicator is determined by the total scores for political rights (from 0 to 40) and civil liberties (from 0 to 60).

According to the detailed report, Mongolia has 36 points out of 40 for political rights and 48 points out of 60 for civil liberties.

Since the peaceful revolution of 1990, multi-party elections have been introduced in Mongolia, allowing the country to establish itself as an electoral democracy, where political rights and civil liberties are enshrined at the institutional level.

The authors of the report emphasize that the weakening of democratic leadership on the global stage may lead to increased instability and conflict. If international institutions continue to lose influence, authoritarian regimes may regain popularity, which will negatively impact the security and economic interests of open societies.

Working Group Recovers MNT 120 Billion in Debts Over Six Months www.montsame.mn

 Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav warned that the working group on Recovering State Losses has been progressing too slowly.

The working group, established by the Prime Minister’s decree on August 22, 2025, has recovered approximately MNT 120 billion in outstanding debts over the past period. However, Prime Minister Zandanshatar criticized this as insufficient compared to the total receivables of MNT 2 trillion.

Tsengel B., Head of the State Property Policy and Regulation Agency and leader of the working group, reported that efforts are underway in phases to allocate immovable properties acquired in debt settlements to the education and health sectors. In addition, unfinished buildings are being completed and put into operation through state budget funding and public-private partnerships.

For example, completing the unfinished “Shine Yaarmag” residential complex would make it possible to provide housing for teachers and healthcare workers and include them in mortgage programs. A revaluation of the buildings in the Gantig Villa complex, acquired as part of the Development Bank’s debt settlements, has also been conducted, with some buildings potentially to be used as schools and kindergartens. The working group further concluded that 52 properties could be sold through public auction.

Prime Minister Zandanshatar criticized the insufficient progress and instructed the working group to accelerate its efforts. He emphasized that without reforming the system for market valuation, recovery, and sale of assets acquired through debt settlements, progress would remain limited. In this context, he поручил the group to revise a draft law on comprehensively reforming the asset management system and present it to the Cabinet in the near future.

According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the state currently holds receivables amounting to MNT 2 trillion. Of this, MNT 482.48 billion is owed by Chinggis Khaan Bank, National Investment Bank, and Capital Bank, while the remaining amount consists of debts owed by 27 borrowers to the Development Bank of Mongolia.

Space Cooperation Conference Marks Milestone in Mongolia’s Space History www.montsame.mn

An international scientific conference on aerospace technology titled “Space Cooperation” was held on March 22 to mark the 45th anniversary of a Mongolian citizen’s first spaceflight. The Ministry of Defense jointly organized the event with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Intersputnik, and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization.

The conference was attended by Mongolian cosmonaut and Hero of Mongolia Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Asia’s first cosmonaut and Hero of the Armed Forces of Vietnam Pham Tuan, and China’s first astronaut Yang Liwei, along with ambassadors and researchers.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav noted that 45 years ago, a Mongolian citizen flew into space aboard the Soyuz-39, marking a historic milestone in the country's space program. This made Mongolia the 10th country in the world and the second in Asia to send its citizens into space.

Building on this historic achievement in 1981, Mongolia has steadily strengthened the foundations of its space sector over the past 45 years. The country joined the Intercosmos program in the late 1970s, became a member of Intersputnik in 1979, and later joined the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization in 2008, gradually expanding its international cooperation.

Mongolian scientists have made significant advances in fields such as space physics, space medicine, and remote sensing, while laying the groundwork for applying satellite communications and space data in practical sectors. The Prime Minister emphasized that Mongolia’s space policy must move beyond paper, calling for functional institutions, a modern legal framework, and an integrated system linking science, technology, and data with decision-making.

He emphasized that the conference, along with related cooperation agreements, research initiatives, training programs, and support for young professionals, represents a significant step toward achieving these goals. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing this agenda.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that space technology is no longer a distant field, but an integral part of modern development, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in human resources, science, and innovation to drive knowledge-based growth.

A commemorative stamp titled “65th Anniversary of Human Spaceflight and 45th Anniversary of the First Mongolian in Space” was also unveiled to honor both global and national milestones in space exploration.