In late May, the Pacific Air Forces’ headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, welcomed airmen from the Mongolian Armed Forces Air Force Command, the U.S. Air Force and the Alaska National Guard for the third Airman-to-Airman talks.

This mutual exchange provided an avenue for relationship building, best practices sharing, and collaborative planning for future engagements between Mongolian and U.S. air forces.

“We share a common purpose: to protect our countries and promote global security and stability,” said Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Ken Radford, director of the Joint Staff for the AKNG and co-chair of the A2AT. “Our militaries work together on a regular basis, and the Airmen-to-Airmen talk is another example of the strong bond that exists between our two nations.”

Throughout the event, attendees divided into four working groups: operations, exercises and engagements, logistics, medical, and professionalization and education. Subject matter experts within the groups evaluated the effectiveness of previous engagements, identified goals for future collaboration, and developed strategic, long-term plans.

Five members of the AKANG participated in the engagement, providing expertise in airlift and rescue aviation, Arctic and expeditionary medical, and airfield logistics.

“It was a very fulfilling mentoring conference as I got to understand what challenges [the MAF AFC] are facing and what we can do to help them progress,” said Air National Guard Maj. Paul Padilla, 176th Medical Group clinic nurse. “The representatives were gracious and friendly, and have an earnest desire to grow. I look forward to any further opportunities to work with them in the future.”

During the medical sessions, Padilla discussed modernization of flight and operational medical programs with a medical representative from the Mongolian Armed Forces and an international health specialist from JBPHH, offering regional expertise in high-altitude, cold-weather medical operations.

2023 also marks a special year for the relationship between the Alaska National Guard and the Mongolian Armed Forces as they celebrate 20 years of bilateral relations through the State Partnership Program. This partnership emphasizes deep continuity and long-term relationships as military and emergency management personnel in both nations can participate in engagements multiple times throughout their career.

“Alaska and Mongolia have a rich partnership due to a whole-of-society relationship spanning interagency ties and similarities in cold climate and dispersed populations,” Radford said. “The real work is ongoing as we continue to improve our air forces, our capabilities and our partnership to build alliances and bonds to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Looking to the future, the MAF AFC and the AKANG left the A2AT with an actionable framework spanning the next five to ten years of exercise participation, academic opportunities and continued force development.

Unseen by many, a silent storm is brewing on the plains of Mongolia, a storm that carries more than just sand and dust. It brings with it severe air quality issues, particularly for neighboring China. The capital city, Beijing, already suffers from air pollution, but the increasingly frequent sandstorms originating from Mongolia have added a new layer to the problem. These storms are attributed to the combined effects of climate change and economic development, and it appears Mongolia is on the brink of surpassing a tipping point towards irreversible desertification.

A Landscape Under Stress

The grasslands of Mongolia have been under significant stress due to overgrazing and mining. Livestock numbers have increased more than threefold since 1982, contributing to the degradation of the grasslands. Moreover, the mining sector, which accounts for 26% of Mongolia’s GDP, has also played a significant role in this environmental challenge. The degradation of the grasslands, in turn, contributes to the increased frequency and intensity of sandstorms.

A Collaborative Response

In response to this escalating problem, China and Mongolia have agreed to establish a joint center to combat desertification. However, the solution does not lie solely in these two nations’ hands. Other factors, such as the Asian winter monsoon, stronger polar vortexes in the Arctic, and increased cyclone activity in Mongolia, are also contributing to the problem. Future research will be required to establish whether this year’s increase in sandstorms is a one-off event or a new normal due to climate change.

The Fallout in Beijing

Beijing, a city already grappling with air pollution, is experiencing the fallout of these sandstorms. Chinese forecasters have warned citizens about the respiratory dangers and very low visibility while traveling during these events. Real-time air quality indices have shown serious pollution levels, with the concentration of fine particulates in the air in Beijing reaching 46.2 times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value.

The impact of the sandstorms is not confined to Mongolia and China. A dozen provinces, including Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and Hubei, Inner Mongolia, and the metropolis Shanghai, are affected by these sandstorms and major dust events. The sandstorms have become a hot topic on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like social media platform, with users expressing concerns about the effects on their daily lives and health.

Moving Forward

These sandstorms pose significant human security challenges, including food insecurity, threats to human health, and infrastructure degradation, plus human migration to escape these impacts. However, they also present an opportunity for international cooperation and the development of joint programs to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of these sandstorms.

The future might be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the increasing frequency of sandstorms in Mongolia is more than just an environmental issue. It’s a regional security concern that requires a comprehensive, collaborative response. The dust storms are a stark reminder of our interconnected world, where a problem in one area can have far-reaching effects in another.

Rain-triggered floods hit the Mongolian capital, severely damaging public and private buildings and infrastructures.

Basements or first floors of hundreds of residential buildings across Ulan Bator were inundated, and roads in several city locations were submerged, the country's National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement on Monday.

In a tragic incident, a young woman was severely electrocuted and subsequently hospitalized after unintentionally touching a live cable in downtown Ulan Bator amidst the Sunday rain.

The Mongolian capital has been suffering heavy rainfall since Saturday. The water levels of major rivers in and around the city such as Tuul and Selbe have exceeded warning levels.

The capital city, home to around half of Mongolia's 3.4 million population, is expected to see more rain in the coming days, the agency said, warning the public to take extra precautions against possible disasters.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised 35 billion Mongolian togrog (MNT) (about $10.2 million) in its first health bond denominated in the local currency of a borrowing member. The issue sets a milestone for health-focused local-currency bonds.

The bond carries a 11.25% semi-annual coupon with a 2-year bullet maturity, denominated in MNT and settled in United States dollars. The bond issue was underwritten by ING Bank N.V. and was placed 100% with asset managers based in Europe.

The proceeds will fund ADB’s Intermed Hospital Expansion Project for International Medical Center LLC in Mongolia. This project aims to bring quality health care to middle-class Mongolians and improve medical accessibility for distant communities.

“ADB has long recognized the catalytic role it plays in bringing local currency financing to support emerging market needs in various sectors,” said ADB Treasurer Pierre Van Peteghem. “The capability to help ADB’s borrowers mitigate currency risk is crucial to the success of these projects. This first local currency health bond is a continuation of ADB’s commitment to support Mongolia’s economic recovery.”

Pope Francis will be the first Pope to visit the East Asian nation of Mongolia at the beginning of September 2023. Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Pope St John Paul II’s special envoy to Mongolia in 2002 and 2003 recalls his experiences in the country and looks ahead to the Holy Father’s upcoming visit.

As the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples recalls, Pope Francis’ upcoming apostolic visit to Mongolia is a journey that Pope St John Paul II had planned to undertake in 2003, after having entrusted the nation to Our Lady and established the first Apostolic Prefect in the country where the Catholic Church had to rebuild from scratch after 70 years of communist regime.

“I am in love with Mongolia! And with its beautiful, proud and friendly people!“ said Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe as he recalled his experience in the East Asian country which he visited twice, as Pope St. John Paul II’s special envoy during the years in which the Catholic Church there slowly started to grow in numbers and extension.

Mongolian Catholics in a ger district

Mongolian Catholics in a ger district

Frontier of evangelization

It was at the beginning of the millennium and the Polish Pope, Cardinal Sepe continued in an interview with Fides News Agency, was well aware that Mongolia represented a real frontier of evangelization, a place where the first missionaries were baptizing Catholics and setting up mission stations and churches where people felt supported, both spiritually and concretely with educational and livelihood programmes.

Unfortunately, John Paul II was unable to undertake a scheduled journey to Mongolia in 2003 due to his deteriorating health conditions, but he sent Cardinal Sepe on his behalf, on two occasions – in 2002 and in 2003 – to show closeness to the nascent Catholic community there; to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Ulaanbaatar; to consecrate the Catholic Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar on a plot of land given to the Church by the Mongolian President; and to ordain Mongolia’s first Apostolic Prefect, Filipino Bishop Wenceslao Padilla.

Ambassador of Mongolia to the Holy See Gerelmaa Davaasuren presents her credentials to Pope Francis

Ambassador of Mongolia to the Holy See Gerelmaa Davaasuren presents her credentials to Pope Francis

The love of a pastor

“What Pope John Paul II could not do Cardinal Sepe said, “Pope Francis is doing“ as he prepares to travel to Mongolia from 31 August to 4 September, becoming the first Roman pontiff in history to visit the country.

He will bring, he said, the care and the love of a pastor to the 1,450-strong Catholic community and continue to foster good diplomatic relations and crucial interreligious dialogue with the majority Buddhist nation.

Pope Francis and Mongolian Buddhist leaders in the Vatican

Pope Francis and Mongolian Buddhist leaders in the Vatican

it will be a wonderful journey, the Cardinal noted, speaking at length of the great beauty of the sparsely-populated land of boundless steppes where tens of thousands of wild horses roam the wild and where the majority of Mongolians live as nomads, following the seasons with their herds of sheep, goats and camels, always taking their homes and families with them.

Cardinal Sepe concluded with his personal recollection of the current Apostolic Prefect, the young Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, who lived in the country for three years to learn the language before founding his mission in 2006 in remote southern Mongolia, beyond the Gobi desert, with the joy of a true Christian who knows he is never alone.

By Linda Bordoni

Unprecedented Growth in Foreign Tourism

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone for Mongolia’s tourism industry. The country witnessed an overwhelming surge in foreign tourism, with a year-on-year increase of 73%, amounting to a total of 421,780 visitors. This unexpected leap in tourism numbers is predominantly attributed to tourists from Russia, China, and South Korea.

Bayan-Ulgii: A New Tourist Paradise

The westernmost province of Bayan-Ulgii, nestled between China and Russia, emerged as a popular attraction for these tourists. The region is acclaimed for its unspoiled natural beauty, including the majestic Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain and the serene White River. Furthermore, it offers a wide variety of activities such as horseback riding, trekking, and camping, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges: Government Initiatives

In response to the devastating impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry, the Mongolian government took several measures to stimulate its revival. One such initiative was the introduction of visa-free entry for tourists from 34 additional countries, raising the total number of visa-exempt countries to 61. This move has proven to be successful in attracting a larger international audience.

Moreover, to further promote tourism, the years 2023-2025 have been officially declared as “Years to Visit Mongolia”. This campaign seeks to highlight Mongolia’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, enticing potential tourists to explore this under-discovered destination.

Shifting Economic Focus: From Mining to Tourism

Traditionally, Mongolia’s economy heavily relies on its export-oriented mining sector. However, the government is now looking towards the development of the tourism industry as a promising way to diversify the country’s economic landscape. This shift in focus is driven by the potential benefits that a thriving tourism industry can offer – from job creation to regional development and preservation of cultural heritage.

Positive Indications for the Mongolian Economy

The considerable growth in tourism numbers in 2023 is a positive sign for the Mongolian economy. It indicates that the country’s efforts to boost tourism are beginning to bear fruit. The increase in foreign tourists not only contributes to the economy but also promotes cultural exchange, enhancing Mongolia’s international image.

Looking Forward

With its diverse landscape, rich history, and unique culture, Mongolia has much to offer. The recent surge in tourism underscores the untapped potential of this Asian nation. As Mongolia continues to implement forward-thinking strategies and initiatives, the future of its tourism industry and overall economic growth looks promising.

According to the social and economic statistics presented by the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, the total production of the industrial sector in the first half of this year equaled MNT 13.2 trillion.

This marks an increase of MNT 4.6 trillion or 54.2 percent from the same period of the last year. It includes:

• mining sector increased by MNT 3.7 trillion or 67.3 percent,

• processing production grew by 31.3 percent.

Money and finance: The balance of outstanding loans increased to MNT 1.3 trillion or 20.0 percent, and the balance of non-performing loans increased to MNT 2.2 trillion or 5.3 percent respectively.

Exchange rate: The average monthly exchange rate of MNT against USD is 3438.26.

• average monthly exchange rate of MNT against EUR is 3727.66,

• average monthly exchange rate of MNT against RMB is 479.83,

• average monthly exchange rate against of MNT against RUB is 41.07.

Foreign trade: Mongolia traded USD 8.6 billion with China in the first half of this year, which accounts 73 percent of the total foreign trade turnover.

A regular meeting of the capital city authorities was held on July 18. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar expressed his gratitude to the authorities, the personnel, and officers who worked promptly at in the face of the flood situation and organized to overcome the event with a minimum damage.

In the previous meeting, the mayor gave tasks in 21 areas, and the implementation rate was about 85 percent. It was ordered to thoroughly prepare for the winter season, to intensify the repair of engineering supplies, to carry out recovery work according to standards, and to regularly monitor its implementation. In this context, 25 organizations implemented 658 measures, and the implementation rate is 55 percent.

The districts have established the sub-working groups to analyze the effects of the disaster and assess the damage caused, and the damage assessment is ongoing. For example, in Bayanzurkh District, there are 15 roads and 12 sidewalks damaged by floods. A total of 297 households were flooded and one household lost its home in Chingeltei District. In Khan-Uul District, 322 citizens from 68 households, and in Songinohairkhan District 47 households were affected by flood.

The mayor emphasized that citizens’ safety should be given priority.

Area of 4,259,619 square meters disinfected

In the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar, the flood level of the Tuul River is 202 cm, the dangerous flood level is 260 cm, and on the morning of July 8, it reached 311 cm, exceeding the dangerous flood level by 50 cm. One hundred twenty-one thousand people from 31,600 households in 26 khoroos of the capital, streets, roads, tunnels and 144 buildings in 11 locations were affected by floods. Moreover, 52,965 consumers lost electricity, and there occurred a risk to life, health, property, and engineering supplies. A total of 14,828 employees performed duties with 2,203 technics in 18 locations. In addition, 743 people from 243 flooded households were evacuated to safety by helicopter, boat and on foot and no casualties have been recorded. Along the Tuul and Selbe rivers, sand, gravel and dirt were unloaded, and the dams of the river were strengthened. A total of 870 employees and volunteers from 16 organizations worked with 324 equipments and technics, and cleaned an area of 22.7 million square meters, and transported 10,540 tons of mud. Between July 10 and 16, a total area of 4,259,619 square meters was disinfected with fogging vehicles. Decontamination was carried out by nine licensed companies.

No positive specimens detected in 57 samples of water and soil

A total of 28 chemical and bacteriological samples from seven sewage treatment facilities, 194 chemical and bacteriological samples from six sources of drinking water in the capital, 80 water distribution houses, 11 privately owned abyssinian wells, and samples from a total of 74 points determined by the level of soil pollution have been delivered to the laboratory. Of the 57 samples, there were no positive specimens detected, and the results of other tests are pending.

The mayor reminded to carry out disinfection frequently.

Risk assessment planned for 89 buildings

Monitoring of constructions, roads, bridges, dams, ditches, and diversions that slow down the flow of flood water was carried out and a survey of 734 buildings affected by the special protection zone of the Selbe and Tuul rivers, or an area of 245 hectares, was conducted. Eighteen flood-risk locations along the Selbe River and the risk status of the Tuul River dams have been assessed. Moreover, in cooperation with relevant organizations, the current state of the dam of the Selbe River was checked, repairs and renovations were carried out, and buildings that were flooded were inspected. Accordingly, plans were made to assess the quality, safety or risk of construction in 89 buildings. Based on the survey of buildings affected by flood of the Selbe River, a plan was made to conduct a building quality, safety or risk assessment for 89 buildings.

Inspection of all substations and electrical equipment conducted

Inspection, repair, and emergency service teams worked, and inspections, maintenance and monitoring on electrical and network equipment were carried out regularly. Unscheduled inspection of all lines, substations, and electrical equipment was performed, and the detected damages were eliminated. During the the heightened state of readiness, 434 engineers and technicians with 108 equipment have worked. In addition, 117 substations that may be flooded were inspected, and measures were taken to prevent water to enter into 30 substations.

Sekiwake Hoshoryu clinched his first Emperor’s Cup on July 23 at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, effectively guaranteeing his promotion to the second-highest rank of ozeki.

The 24-year-old Mongolian native entered the final day of the tournament tied with Hokutofuji, maegashira No. 9, and Hakuoho, maegashira No. 17, at 11 wins and three losses.

Hoshoryu defeated Hakuoho with an overarm throw, while Hokutofuji pulled down Nishikigi, maegashira No. 1, in an earlier bout.

In a playoff, Hoshoryu pushed Hokutofuji out of the dohyo.

An uncle of Hoshoryu is former yokozuna Asashoryu, who won 25 tournament championships in his career.

Hoshoryu’s promotion to ozeki is expected to be officially decided on July 26.

Wrestlers typically need to score 33 wins over the three most recent tournaments while ranked as sekiwake or komusubi, the third- and fourth-highest positions in the sport, to be promoted to ozeki.

Hoshoryu won 10 bouts in the spring tournament and 11 bouts in the summer tournament, and then added 12 wins from the Nagoya tournament.

He will be the 31st wrestler to be promoted to ozeki since the Heisei Era began in 1989 and the seventh ozeki from Mongolia.