1 CHINA’S MONGOLIAN COAL IMPORTS UP 20% IN OCT, RUSSIAN IMPORTS SLIP 18% WWW.BRECORDER.COM  PUBLISHED:2025/11/21      2 S.KOREA-MONGOLIA JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING REAFFIRMS MINERAL COOPERATION WWW.KOREAPOST.COM PUBLISHED:2025/11/21      3 TEAM MONGOLIA FROM PHYSICAL ASIA: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? WWW.MOVIEDELIC.COM PUBLISHED:2025/11/21      4 N.UCHRAL: I’LL BE LENIENT WITH THE RIGHT, STRICT WITH THE WRONG WWW.GOGO.MN PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      5 MONGOLIAN BANKING SECTOR'S NET FOREIGN ASSETS DECLINE 16.1 PCT IN OCTOBER WWW.XINHUANET.COM PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      6 ON THE TALKS OF SECRETARY-GENERAL WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MONGOLIA WWW.ENG.SECTSCO.ORG PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      7 MONGOLIA UNIFIES TO COMBAT NEW THREATS TO SNOW LEOPARDS WWW.SNOWLEOPARD.ORG PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      8 AMERICAN-CANADIAN BILLIONAIRE OPENS $2-BILLION PLATINUM MINE IN SOUTH AFRICA WWW.AFRICA.BUSINESSINSIDER.COM PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      9 EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE: 12 SCHOOLS, 24 KINDERGARTENS SET FOR 2025 LAUNCH WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      10 MONGOLIA JAPAN HOSPITAL INTRODUCES SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY SYSTEM WWW.AKIPRESS.COM PUBLISHED:2025/11/20      Н.УЧРАЛ: ХУУЛЬ ТОТООХ ДЭЭД БАЙГУУЛЛАГААС ХУЛГАЙН СЭЖИГТНҮҮД БИШ ХУУЛЬ ТӨРЖ БАЙХ ЁСТОЙ WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/21     ТЭРБУМ МОД САНГИЙН ТӨСЛИЙН СОНГОН ШАЛГАРУУЛАЛТ ЗАРЛАГДЛАА WWW.BILLIONTREE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     ОЙЖУУЛАЛТАД ХАМГИЙН ИХ ХӨРӨНГӨ ОРУУЛАЛТ ХИЙЖ БАЙГАА ХУВИЙН ХЭВШЛИЙН САНГААР ТЭРБУМ МОД САНГ НЭРЛЭЛЭЭ WWW.BILLIONTREE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     МОНГОЛД ГАДНЫ БАНК НЭЭХ НЬ ХЭРЭГЛЭГЧДЭД ӨГӨӨЖТЭЙ Ч ДОТООДЫН БАНК САНХҮҮГИЙН САЛБАРТ ЭРСДЭЛТЭЙ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     ӨНГӨРСӨН САРД 11 УЛСЫН 240 ИРГЭНИЙГ АЛБАДАН ГАРГАЖЭЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     Х.НЯМБААТАР: ГАНДАН ОРЧМЫГ НОГООН БАЙГУУЛАМЖ БҮХИЙ ЖИШИГ ГУДАМЖ БОЛГОН ТОХИЖУУЛНА WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     ОЮУ ТОЛГОЙ ТӨСЛИЙН ХУВЬ НИЙЛҮҮЛЭГЧДИЙН ЗЭЭЛИЙН ХҮҮГ БУУРУУЛАХ ХЭЛЭЛЦЭЭ ҮРГЭЛЖИЛЖ БАЙНА WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     УИХ-ЫН ДАРГААР Н.УЧРАЛ СОНГОГДЛОО WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     "ЧИНГИС ХААН" ОДОН ХҮРТЭЖ БУЙ С.НАРАНГЭРЭЛ ГЭЖ ХЭН БЭ WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20     ОХУ-ЫН БАНК САЛБАРАА МОНГОЛД НЭЭХ ҮҮ? WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/11/20    

Events

Name organizer Where
MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2024 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

NEWS

64x64

The Mongol Archive: Medieval Links Between France and Mongolia www.thediplomat.com

The medieval Mongol archive, dating from the 13th century, had a profound influence on French maps and exploration.
On January 4, 1254, a French monk named William of Rubruck had his first audience with the Great Khan Mongke at the khan’s encampment in Mongolia. Rubruck later wrote to King Louis IX of France (also known as Saint Louis) that as he left the tent, the khan’s secretaries and interpreter asked him “numerous questions about the kingdom of France: whether it contained many sheep, cattle and horses – as if they were due to move in and take it all over forthwith.” 
This year marks the 60th anniversary of modern diplomatic relations between France and Mongolia, but Rubruck’s account reminds us that their ties are in fact much older. 
Today, the relationship between France and Mongolia encompasses many areas, from commerce to counterterrorism. Their cooperation is based on common principles and interests. But the situation was rather different 800 years ago. The French and the Mongols first encountered each other because both had expansionist ambitions: the French, with their Christian allies, sought to conquer Jerusalem and the surrounding lands through crusade, while Mongol conquests reached into the Middle East and central Europe. 
French crusaders in Egypt were among the first Europeans to hear of the Mongols in 1221. They received garbled reports that claimed Chinggis Khan was a Christian lord named “King David” who was coming to assist the crusaders. From the outset, the Mongols awakened European hopes of Asian alliances.
When the Mongols invaded Europe in the late 1230s, few in Europe knew who they were or what they wanted. To answer these questions, the kings of France, popes, and other European leaders collected as much information about the Mongols as possible. The result was the “Mongol archive”: the collection of documents produced or housed in Europe that described or referred to the Mongols.
Forgetting past hopes of an alliance, Europeans feared that the Mongols were allies of the devil or Antichrist who heralded the apocalypse. It fell to the Catholic church, whose clergy included educated, multilingual, and experienced diplomats, to discover the truth about the Mongols. 
The early reports by the monks John of Plano Carpini (an Italian), Simon of Saint-Quentin (a Frenchman), and Rubruck describe everything from Mongol law and religion to dress and battle tactics. These documents are among the most important sources we have on medieval Mongol society. After Europeans realized that the Mongols were not monsters but people with a very different culture, they tried to convert them to Christianity and make them allies against Islam. 
One of the best documented attempts at conversion was that of King Louis IX. In 1249, he sent a tent in the form of a chapel, relics, and other devotional objects to the Great Khan Guyuk. However, Guyuk died before the embassy arrived. His widow, Oghul Qaimish, sent an imperious reply to Louis demanding more tribute. A chronicler tells us that the king greatly regretted sending the embassy.
Despite such misfires, French interest in the Mongols endured. In 1291, the last crusader stronghold in the Middle East was captured by Muslim forces. For the next 40 years, numerous treatises were written advocating an alliance with the Mongols against Islamic realms for the recovery of the Holy Land. Many of these treatises were written for or owned by the kings and nobility of France. 
Moreover, in 1298, Marco Polo completed his book, “The Description of the World,” which was the first European text to provide an extensive description of the Far East. He wrote in a dialect of French because he wanted a large international audience. The French monarchy and nobility commissioned some of the most beautiful copies of Polo’s book. 
In 1307, Hayton of Corycus, a member of the Armenian royal family who fought on the side of the Mongols in Persia and the Middle East, wrote a history of them in French while staying in Poitiers. His text became another major reference on the Mongols.
An illustration, based on a 15th century author’s imagining, of the Polos kneeling before Kublai Khan and presenting him a cross and a Bible. Image via the National Library of France.
French fascination with the Mongols continued in the 14th century despite significant crises. In 1335, the Mongol khanate in Persia collapsed; in the 1330s and 1340s the plague swept across Eurasia; and in 1368 the Mongol realm in China, known as the Yuan Empire, fell. Even though contact between France and the Mongols was interrupted for decades, the French continued to read John of Plano Carpini, Marco Polo, Hayton, and the account of Odoric of Pordenone, an Italian monk who had traveled across Asia in the 1320s. 
In the 1350s, an enterprising writer who called himself Sir John Mandeville, and who claimed to be a globetrotting pilgrim and mercenary, wrote a fictional account of his travels in French. He drew heavily on Plano Carpini, Hayton, Odoric, and other sources on the Mongols for his description of a fabulously wealthy and incredibly powerful Mongol realm in the Far East. “The Book of Sir John Mandeville” became the most popular source on the Mongols in late medieval Europe and ensured that they were not forgotten.
The last official contact between France and the Mongol world in the Middle Ages occurred in 1403, when Archbishop John of Sultaniyeh visited Paris. John claimed to have come on behalf of Tamerlane, who had defeated the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid the year before. While it seems unlikely that Tamerlane endorsed the embassy, John’s visit is nonetheless significant because he composed a biography of Tamerlane in French. 
John insisted that Tamerlane was a Mongol, not a Turk, and could therefore be an ally of France and Christendom. John thereby drew on the long tradition of hope for alliance with the Mongols. However, Tamerlane died in 1405, and for the next century the French – distracted by war and internal conflicts – were principally concerned with domestic and European affairs.
Although most of Europe lost contact with the Mongols in the 15th century, the European dream of renewing relations lived on for generations. Christopher Columbus was one of many explorers who sought the wealthy Mongol realms described by Marco Polo and who hoped to convert the Mongols to Christianity. In France, cartographers and navigators continued to read Polo and other Mongol texts well into the 16th century. The medieval Mongol archive had a profound influence on French maps and exploration, not least because it led the French to believe that settlement in Canada would provide a direct route to the mythical riches of the Far East.
The Mongols introduced medieval Europeans to an Asia unknown to their intellectual traditions. William of Rubruck wrote that when he first encountered the Mongols, he felt as if he were entering another world. As France and Mongolia celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, it is important to recall their deeper history, which was marked by fear, suspicion, curiosity, admiration, and wonder. 
The Franco-Mongolian relationship is a testament to the benefits of dialogue, learning, and openness among nations. It has enriched both societies for centuries. May it continue to do so.
By Mark Cruse

...


64x64

“Year of the Snake” Commemorative Coin Now on the Market www.montsame.mn

The Treasury Department of the Bank of Mongolia has issued the “Year of the Snake” commemorative silver coin, weighing one ounce and made of 999.9 fine silver, in honor of the Wood Snake Year of the 17th cycle, known as “Eldev Erdenet.”
In 2020, the Treasury of the Bank of Mongolia launched a series of 12-year commemorative coins, featuring traditional Mongolian painting techniques, beginning with the “Year of the Rat” silver coin. This was followed by the “Year of the Ox” in 2021, the “Year of the Tiger” in 2022, the “Year of the Rabbit” in 2023, and the “Year of the Dragon” in 2024, all of which were produced and released as one-ounce silver coins.
This series is distinctive for its depiction of the traditional Mongolian zodiac, which features a human-bodied figure with the head of one of the 12 zodiac animals, holding symbolic elements representing each year. Each design is crafted using traditional Mongolian drawing techniques. The “Year of the Snake” commemorative coin specifically portrays the right hand igniting a flame, symbolizing energy and vitality. It has been produced using modern smart-minting and high-relief technologies. 
Additionally, the Treasury Department of the Bank of Mongolia continues to offer franchise coins, the “Chinggis Khaan” one-ounce gold coin, as well as gold and silver bars and pelletized silver.

...


64x64

Mongolia's central bank raises interest rates to 12 pct, citing inflationary pressures www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia's central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate by 2 percentage points to 12 percent amid rising inflation, local media reported on Saturday, citing a statement released by the bank.
This measure aims to curb inflation and promote price stability, said the bank in a statement.
The Central Bank of Mongolia attributed the move to the high "inflationary pressure" the Mongolian economy was currently experiencing. The bank also said that the electricity price increase across Mongolia, its indirect effects and the accompanying economic activity and wage growth have led to higher-than-expected increases in the prices of services, rents, and imported goods.
The inflation expectations are higher than the central bank's target this year, due to increased demand and cost-driven pricing pressures, as well as rising prices for public transportation and other government-regulated goods and services.
In terms of the external environment, uncertainty regarding geopolitical conditions and U.S. trade and tax policies are increasing and leading to expectations of a slowdown in external demand conditions and a relatively gradual decline in external base interest rates.
In addition, due to expectations regarding the demand for steel, the price of Mongolia's main export products, coal and iron ore, may deteriorate from expectations, they added.
In view of this, the central bank experts said that maintaining the key rate at 12 percent will help mitigate the negative consequences of the financial and economic crisis in Mongolia and restore its economy in the medium and long term.
According to official data from the country's National Statistics Office, Mongolia's inflation rate, measured by the consumer price index (CPI), reached 9.6 percent in January 2025. At the same time, in the capital Ulan Bator, where more than half of the country's 3.5 million people live, this figure increased to 9.7 percent.
Mongolia's economy in 2025 is expected to grow by 6.5 percent. According to World Bank experts, economic growth in Mongolia will be mainly supported by increased production in the mining industry and growing domestic demand.

 

...


64x64

NBA Star DeMarcus Cousins Arrives in Mongolia www.montsame.mn

The "Selenge Bodons" basketball team, which finished the National League season in fifth place with 15 wins, has signed NBA player DeMarcus Cousins for the playoffs.
NBA player Cousins has become the most famous player to ever compete in Mongolia's top basketball league, and said:
"I was thrilled when I received an offer from the Mongol basketball team and happily joined Selenge Bodons. My main goal is, of course, to play basketball and help make Selenge Bodons a champion. Additionally, I look forward to learning about Mongol culture and traditions. I will try to make the most of my free time. I have watched videos of the Mongol league and followed Selenge Bodons on social media to stay updated. My aim is to contribute to the team’s success through my leadership and performance."
Cousins will play his first game in Mongolia on March 10, 2025 against the "Knights" team. Also, Cousins will participate in an entertainment event where he will spend an evening with fans and basketball enthusiasts.

 

...


64x64

President of Mongolia to Pay a State Visit to the Republic of Poland www.montsame.mn

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa will pay a State Visit to the Republic of Poland on March 13-14, 2025.
This State Visit will be the first visit by the Head of State of Mongolia to Poland in 12 years, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the State Visit, the two Heads of State will hold a tête-à-tête, official talks, and a press briefing. 
During the State Visit, President Khurelsukh will meet with the Head of Government of Poland and the Speaker of Parliament of Poland. Furthermore, the two sides will elevate the traditionally friendly relations between Mongolia and Poland and sign more than 10 documents on cooperation in health, agriculture, education, science, paleontology, archeology, media, culture, and film industry.
Moreover, a concert by the Morin Khuur Orchestra of Mongolia and a Mongolia-Poland Business Forum will be organized in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland.

...


64x64

Ulaanbaatar City to Implement 145 Projects in Education Sector www.montsame.mn

In 2024, 168 projects and measures were implemented in the capital's education sector, with 9 schools, 19 kindergartens, and one primary school and one kindergarten complex being put into operation.
For 2025, a total of 145 projects and measures will be carried out in the capital’s education sector. Of these, 71 will be funded by the State Budget, 50 by the capital’s budget, and 14 by district budgets.
According to the preliminary plan, 25 schools, 50 kindergartens, and 14 primary school-kindergarten complexes will be put into operation. The Budget of the Capital City for 2025 allocated funding for 8 projects including the purchase of one school building, the purchase of five kindergarten buildings, and the construction of two schools. Additionally, the Bayangol district’s budget includes funding for the construction of a kindergarten.

...


64x64

President of Mongolia to pay state visit to Czech Republic www.akipress.com

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa will pay a state visit to the Czech Republic on March 9-12 at the invitation of President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, Montsame reported.
This visit is the first visit by the head of state of Mongolia to the Czech Republic in 10 years. The visit will take place in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Czech Republic.
During the visit, the two heads of state will hold a tête-à-tête, official talks, and a press briefing. The President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament, and the Prime Minister will pay a courtesy call on the President of Mongolia.
The two sides plan to elevate the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and sign intergovernmental agreements and cooperation documents in areas such as education, environment, agriculture, sports, and law.
The concert of the Morin Khuur Orchestra of Mongolia, and a Mongolia-Czechia Business Forum will be held in Prague, the capital city of Czechia, to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Czech Republic.

...


64x64

Mongolia issues e-visas to 92,427 foreigners in 2024 www.xinhuanet.com

A total of 92,427 foreigners from various countries and regions were granted Mongolian electronic visas in 2024, marking an increase of 2.9 times year on year, local media reported on Wednesday, citing Mongolia's immigration agency.
During this period, the agency issued 25,720 residence permits in Mongolia and extended 40,922 residence permits. The residence permit issuance increased by 9.2 percent compared to the previous year.
Currently, Mongolia's economy relies most heavily on the export of mineral resources. Tourism promotion is considered one of the priorities for diversifying the country's economy and increasing the competitiveness of its tourism in the context of global competition.
In view of this, the Mongolian government has decided to continue the "Years to Visit Mongolia" tourism program until 2028.
Mongolia launched the e-visa system on Oct. 1, 2021. Currently, foreigners from 99 countries and regions entering Mongolia for guest, business or tourist purposes can obtain e-visas.

 

...


64x64

11 killed in road accidents in Mongolia in five days www.xinhuanet.com

A total of 11 people were killed and 41 others injured in road accidents in Mongolia in five days, the country's traffic police department said Thursday.
"More than 50 percent of the nation's 11 traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas during the five-day holidays of the Mongolian Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tsagaan Sar or the White Moon festival," the department said.
Road accidents in the country happen more often during winter and vacation seasons due to the dramatically increasing number of people who travel to the countryside, said the department, urging drivers to strictly comply with road traffic regulations to protect themselves and their loved ones.
In 2024, 21,485 road traffic accidents were recorded across Mongolia, killing 83 people and injuring 1,528 others, according to the traffic police department.

...


64x64

Government to Urgently Submit Draft Law to Ban Online Gambling www.montsame.mn

During its regular session on March 6, 2025, the Cabinet of Mongolia decided to submit a draft Law to Amend the Law on Permits to ban betting, gambling, and online gambling except sports betting to the State Great Khural urgently.
Minister of Mongolia, Chief Cabinet Secretary Uchral Nyam-Osor noted, “According to a survey conducted by the National Statistics Committee, 200 economic crimes were registered in 2023, amounting to a loss of MNT 417.2 billion as of 2024. Mainly young people aged 18-39 were involved in these crimes. Financial investigation data shows that MNT 1.7 trillion or USD 500 million have been transferred from Mongolia to foreign countries. Although the Communications Regulatory Commission has restricted access to 6,000 domain addresses that conduct online gambling, these sites have changed their links and are still operating. Moreover, the Antimonopoly Agency has imposed fines on law-breaking enterprises, but according to the laws in force, the penalty amounted to just MNT 13 million. Therefore, we are going to amend the relevant laws to ban such activities.”

...