Joint Statement on the U.S.-Mongolia Annual Bilateral Consultation www.state.gov

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Mongolia on the occasion of the Annual Bilateral Consultations.

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Representatives of the United States and Mongolia held the 17th Annual Bilateral Consultations on March 17 in Ulaanbaatar.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Michael George DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and L. Munkhtushig, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. It was attended by Richard Buangan, Ambassador of the United States of America to Mongolia, and U. Batbayar, Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States of America; by representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Department of War; and by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Development, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Energy, and Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications of Mongolia.

Recognizing that Mongolia and the United States have a shared interest in global peace, freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity, the two sides expressed their continued support for the U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership and pledged to deepen cooperation. Both sides celebrated the upcoming completion of the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s $462 million Mongolia Water Compact.

Mongolian and U.S. officials discussed their cooperation to promote bilateral and regional cooperation on peace and security matters, including in the Indo-Pacific, grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States welcomed Mongolia’s commitment to increasing its contributions to international stability and security, including through playing a leading role in peacekeeping missions around the world. Both sides highlighted their shared resolve to promote responsible and legal travel through the Travel Responsibly campaign and other cooperation. They also discussed continuing their work together to uphold freedom of expression, religious freedom, and other human rights.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of exchanging high-level visits and maintaining regular dialogues, as well as bolstering mutually beneficial economic engagement. They also committed to exploring opportunities to expand energy cooperation as a means of increasing long-term economic growth for both countries. Both sides expressed interest in collaborating in the digital domain, including artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, to strengthen connectivity and prosperity. They highlighted critical minerals and clean coal technologies as areas for potential cooperation, and affirmed their desire to explore cooperation on alternative sources of energy. Both sides recognized that a predictable and transparent business climate is essential to expanding economic cooperation and increasing bilateral trade and investment.

The two sides committed to continue to work together to bolster people-to-people ties through educational and cultural exchanges and the promotion of the English language in Mongolia.

The United States and Mongolia decided to maintain the exchange of high-level bilateral visits and hold the next Annual Bilateral Consultations in 2027 in Washington.

President Khurelsukh Calls for Greater Responsibility, Leadership www.montsame.mn

Under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, the Third National Conference “Mongol Er Khun” (Mongolian Man) was held at the State Palace on March 17, 2026.

Opening the conference, President Khurelsukh noted that Mongolians have traditionally raised their sons to be courageous, wise, far-sighted, broad-minded, resilient, disciplined, honest, and faithful to their oaths. Men who embody these qualities and serve as a reliable pillar for their state and people have long been regarded as true Mongolian men. The Head of State emphasized his pride in Mongolian men and youth who carry forward the legacy, ideals, and achievements of their ancestors, elevating the reputation of their homeland across continents and the world. In particular, he highlighted the contributions of thousands of peacekeepers serving in global hotspots, who have brought recognition to the name “Mongolian soldier” worldwide.

The President stressed that loving and honoring one’s homeland, people, family, and children, while assuming greater duties and responsibilities and carrying the heavier burden, is a matter of a man’s honor and a noble obligation. He called on every man to strive to be physically healthy, mentally sound, broad-minded, possess the right attitude, uphold cultural heritage and values, and be knowledgeable, educated, and diligent.

The 2026 conference addressed three main themes: the traditional understanding of Mongolian manhood, leadership of the modern Mongolian man, and the value of men within the family. On this occasion, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Protection, Aubakir Telukhan, stated: “Men constitute 49 percent of our country’s total population. However, Mongolian men are more prone to accidents and have higher alcohol consumption, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and premature death. Therefore, the government is implementing more systematic policies and measures targeting men.”

For instance, during the first national conference, attention was drawn to the significant disparity in life expectancy compared to the global average. As of the end of 2021, the average life expectancy for men was 66.7 years, while for women it was 76.2 years—a gap of 9.5 years. According to statistics at the end of 2024, male life expectancy reached 67.92 years and female life expectancy 77.1 years, reducing the gap by 0.32 points.

Since 2022, considerable attention has been given to improving occupational safety in male-dominated sectors such as mining, transport, road construction, and building. Policies and measures have also been implemented to support work–life balance for employees, the Minister noted in his report.

Subsequently, Deputy Minister of Defense Baasandamba Dashtseden introduced an initiative, proposed by the President, to launch the national movement “Ekh Oronch Mongol” (Patriotic Mongolian) for the year of 2026–2030. The movement aims to promote national core interests and cherished Mongolian values among children and youth, and to foster citizens who are healthy, educated, and ethically grounded.

More than 800 representatives from government bodies, civil society, and some aimags, the capital, and districts participated in the conference and issued policy recommendations. The conference has previously been organized under the auspices of the President of Mongolia in 2022 and 2024.

Mongolia, US to Expand All-Round Cooperation www.montsame.mn

Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav received Michael DeSombre, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on March 17.

Prime Minister Zandanshatar expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening and development of the Mongolia-United States Strategic Partnership. He emphasized Mongolia’s commitment to expanding bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and mining, and to promoting private-sector partnerships and attracting investment within this framework.

Assistant Secretary Michael DeSombre expressed his sincere gratitude for the meeting and highlighted that the U.S. administration places great importance on its Strategic Partnership with Mongolia. He also thanked Mongolia for becoming one of the founding members of the “Peace Council” initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that this further reaffirms Mongolia’s commitment to international peace and stability. He added that the United States will continue to pay special attention to expanding bilateral relations and cooperation across all sectors.

Prime Minister Zandanshatar and Assistant Secretary DeSombre also noted with satisfaction that the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Water Compact, co-financed with approximately USD 460 million, will conclude on March 30, 2026, and that one of its key achievements, the Wastewater Recycling Plant in Ulaanbaatar, has been successfully commissioned.

Chingis Airlines Unity LLC Receives First Aircraft www.montsame.mn

A new carrier has joined Mongolia’s civil aviation sector, as “Chingis Airlines Unity” LLC welcomed its first aircraft from Morocco on March 17.

Established in 2025 with investment from Nomin Holding, the company is launching operations to improve accessibility to domestic air travel and reduce the development gap between urban and rural areas. As part of this effort, it has introduced a modern 70-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft and completed preparations to operate charter flights on domestic routes.

According to the plan, Chingis Airlines Unity aims to begin regular flights to Dalanzadgad, Khovd, and Murun starting in the second quarter of 2026. Looking forward, the company intends to expand its operations to international routes and develop into a competitive and reputable airline in the regional market.

Mongolia’s First Large-Scale Wastewater Recycling Plant Opens www.montsame.mn

A ceremony was held on March 16 to mark the official opening and launch of operations of Mongolia’s first large-scale Wastewater Recycling Plant.

The plant was constructed next to the new Central Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of the “Wastewater Recycling Project,” one of the three main projects under the Mongolia Water Compact (Compact II) agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States.

In his opening remarks, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa stated, “Today we gather here to witness a historic moment—the opening of Mongolia’s first large-scale Wastewater Recycling Plant, one of the two major infrastructure projects under the Water Compact, which symbolizes the strategic partnership between Mongolia and the United States. The commissioning of this plant represents the achievement of a major objective outlined in Mongolia’s National Security Concept, long-term development policies, and water policies in the Government's Action Plan, enabling our country to recycle wastewater and use it in energy production. This initiative not only represents the first-ever large-scale use of recycled water in Mongolia’s energy sector but also paves the way for other industries to reuse wastewater in the future. By doing so, we will conserve our groundwater resources for future generations.”

The Second Millennium Challenge Compact Agreement (Mongolia Water Compact) was signed on July 27, 2018. The program was funded by USD 350 million in grants from the U.S. government and USD 111.7 million from the Government of Mongolia.

The project aims to increase Ulaanbaatar’s water supply by up to 50 million cubic meters per year. Over the next 30 years, it will help provide stable and safe drinking and household water to more than 2.4 million residents of the city. It is also the largest investment in Mongolia’s water sector in the past 30 years.

As part of the “Wastewater Recycling Project,” Mongolia built its first large-scale wastewater recycling plant, along with 12 km of water transmission pipelines, a water storage tank, a booster pumping station, and related infrastructure. The plant will receive 50,000 cubic meters of treated wastewater per day – up to 18 million cubic meters annually- from the new Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, recycle it, and supply it for technical uses, including ash handling and cooling power operations, at Thermal Power Plants III and IV.

The plant was built with funding from the Government of Mongolia, with the dedication and expertise of Mongolian engineers and technical assistance from American experts.

The opening ceremony brought together high-level representatives from both countries, including the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre, Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Finance and Chair of the Board of Millennium Challenge Account Mongolia Javkhlan Bold, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Nyambaatar Khishgee, as well as other senior officials from the Governments of Mongolia and the United States. Representatives from the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar, the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation, Millennium Challenge Account–Mongolia, the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (USUG), the project contractors, partner organizations, and other stakeholders were also present at the event.

Through the project, the use of recycled water will be introduced into the energy sector, which is the largest water user in Ulaanbaatar. This will help manage limited water resources more efficiently and strengthen the city’s ability to deal with future challenges such as urbanization and population concentration.

Recycling wastewater will also create a new source of water supply for Mongolia, help preserve underground water resources, and support the ecosystem of the Tuul River, bringing valuable environmental benefits. 

Ulaanbaatar ready to accept private initiatives to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion www.gogo.mn

The “Ulaanbaatar- Investment” forum, running from 16–20 March 2026, showcased major public–private projects for the capital and introduced international and domestic investors to opportunities to partner on infrastructure and service delivery, officials said. The event, organised by the Ulaanbaatar Chamber of Commerce together with Ulaanbaatar Partnership Center LLC, aims to explain Mongolia’s regulatory framework for investors and to match firms seeking financing with relevant public bodies.

Speaking at the forum, T.Davaadalai, first deputy governor for economic development and infrastructure of Ulaanbaatar, said the city is following international best practice by deepening cooperation between the public and private sectors. “We are working with the private sector on major construction projects in the capital and are ready to consider new project proposals to tackle urgent problems such as air pollution and traffic congestion,” he said, stressing that the forum also provides practical information on the laws and procedures needed to operate in Mongolia.

‘We are being silenced’: Mongolian politicians face jail after vote calling for PM to resign www.theguardian.com

Former deputy speaker describes situation as absurd after being charged with ‘effort to unlawfully seize state power’
A number of younger Mongolian politicians, including many women, are facing the threat of extended jail sentences for their role in challenging the country’s political leadership, in what they claim are early skirmishes in a battle to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.

The dispute forms part of a factional power struggle in the ruling party that is threatening to weaken Mongolia, one of the few democracies in the region, as it seeks to navigate a foreign policy independent of neighbouring Russia and China.

The former deputy speaker of the parliament, Yale-educated Bulgantuya Khürelbaatar, told the Guardian she was facing the threat of 12 to 20 years in jail after being charged with the criminal offence of “an organised effort to unlawfully seize or retain state power”. She described the charge as absurd and unprecedented in Mongolia.

She also says she has been banned from leaving the country and had restrictions placed on her movements inside Mongolia. The charges have been brought with the help of the country’s state intelligence agency.

Mongolia is rich in minerals, and allegations of political corruption have led to a recent extended period of political infighting in the ruling Mongolia People’s party. There is also a generational divide within the MPP, with a younger group of reformists, including some educated abroad, challenging the traditional leadership.

The charge relates to Bulgantuya’s role as the chair of a vote in parliament in October in which a majority of MPs were declared to have voted for the prime minister, Zandanshatar Gombojav, to stand down, only four months into the job.

The vote related to a dispute over changes to the mineral exporters tax regime, which opponents of the prime minister said would benefit wealthy exporters and lower state income.

Bulgantuya says the procedure for the vote was in line with precedent, including a comparable vote in 2021.

President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, an ally of the prime minister, vetoed the parliament’s decision to oust Zandanshatar.

At the same time, Zandanshatar’s cabinet secretary appealed to Mongolia’s constitutional court, which found that the parliamentary vote had used an incorrect voting formula and that the quorum count at the start of the proceedings had been manipulated.

The court ruling was not subject to appeal. Bulgantuya was given less than two days to prepare her defence at a hearing, largely occurring behind closed doors, and she says she was not given the right to legal counsel.

“It is absurd to claim that I have tried to seize state power when state power lies with the parliament, and I was fulfilling the wishes of the parliament,” she said. Her lawyers added: “Parliamentary supremacy lies at the very heart of Mongolia’s system of checks and balances and represents a cornerstone of its constitutional democracy.”

She has already been forced to stand down as deputy speaker and been expelled from the MPP. In a further step, a draft bill has now been tabled by Khurelsükh that will end the immunity of some MPs if their party deems they have behaved unethically.

Enkhbat Bolormaa, another parliamentary critic of the prime minister and the first female governor in Mongolia’s history, said: “This is an absolute test case of Mongolia’s democracy, its constitution and our ability to practise our rights as parliamentarians. What we did was hold the prime minister accountable for granting unlawful tax concessions to a handful of powerful mining conglomerates, and we are now being silenced for it.”

In a complaint, the inter-parliamentary union human rights body claimed power “is being centralised in an executive body with the result that reform-oriented independent minded and especially young parliamentarians face growing pressure, intimidation and retaliation for exercising their constitutional mandates”.

Mongolia’s previous prime minister, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, stepped down last summer after three weeks of anti-corruption street protests that led him to lose a vote of confidence. He said this week: “What exactly did Kh. Bulgantuya do wrong? If leading a parliamentary meeting turns you into a criminal, do we even need parliamentary democracy? Leading a meeting and displeasing someone isn’t a crime. The scale of all this is getting way out of hand.”

Frequent leadership turnover has become a norm in Mongolia. In three decades of democracy, only two governments have completed full four-year terms, with governments lasting an average of 1.8 years.

Korea Completes Pre-Feasibility Study for Mongolia Rail Project www.en.sedaily.com

Korea National Railway (KR) announced Thursday it held the final presentation for the pre-feasibility study on the Ulaanbaatar-Kharkhorin railway construction project in Mongolia.

The study, launched in May 2025 under the K-IRD (Korea International Railway Development) program, aims to connect Mongolia's capital with its new administrative capital Kharkhorin. The project seeks to address population concentration in Ulaanbaatar while supporting development of the new administrative hub.

K-IRD is a program that supports applicants through public offerings to facilitate Korean railway's overseas expansion and new project development.

KR completed the preliminary railway survey through the study, which included traffic demand forecasting, railway alignment planning and alternative route analysis, structural planning, technical feasibility review, and economic and financial analysis.

"We plan to actively pursue cooperation with international financial institutions so that these study results can lead to a full feasibility study," said Lee An-ho, acting chairman of KR. "We hope K-Railway will further strengthen its position in the global railway market."

KR has continued to demonstrate its technical competitiveness in Mongolia, successfully opening the Tavan Tolgoi-Zuunbayan signaling system project in 2023 and winning the approximately 58 billion won ($40 million) Ulaanbaatar Metro PMC contract in 2024.

Ulaanbaatar to Expand Cooperation with France in Urban Development www.montsame.mn

Mongolia continues to expand its cooperation with France in urban planning, infrastructure, and sustainable city development year by year.

In this context, the Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Nyambaatar Khishgee, received a delegation led by the Ambassador of the French Republic to Mongolia, Corinne Pereira Da Silva, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Mayor Nyambaatar said, “France is our third neighbor and an important partner in Europe. Ulaanbaatar city is focusing on elevating its relations and cooperation with Paris and other cities to a new level. Specifically, meetings were held in Paris and Lyon in January this year as part of the Ulaanbaatar metro and cable car transport projects. I am confident that our cooperation will continue to expand and develop into a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Ambassador Corinne Pereira expressed her readiness to fully support further strengthening bilateral cooperation.  

This year marks the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the French Republic. 

Spring Session to Tackle Economic Challenges, Tax Reform, Governance Issues www.montsame.mn

The State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia opened its regular spring session on March 16, 2026.

President Khurelsukh Ukhna, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav, the Chair of the Constitutional Court, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General, members of the Cabinet, the Chief of the President’s Office, heads of the Capital City administration and organizations reporting directly to Parliament, as well as heads of diplomatic missions and resident representatives of international organizations accredited to Mongolia attended the opening session. For the first time, representatives of citizens were also invited to attend the opening of the parliamentary session.

Opening the spring session, Chairman of the State Great Khural Uchral Nyam-Osor noted that the session was beginning at a particularly important moment. He stressed that the current parliament, composed of 126 members, has reached the midpoint of its term, and that the remaining time requires members to work with a high sense of responsibility, productivity, and initiative. Amid global tensions and mounting challenges, he emphasized that lawmakers must unite around national interests and justice rather than divide along party or factional lines.

He also underlined the importance of upholding the reputation of a democratic parliament that is transparent, accountable, creative, free from corruption, and not privileged above citizens. He noted that the Mongolian people are demanding stronger protection of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution and the removal of obstacles that hinder citizens’ ability to work and create.

Taking into account current economic and social conditions as well as domestic and international factors, the speaker stated that the spring session would focus on addressing key issues and solutions aimed at revitalizing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods.

In particular, parliament will prioritize amendments to the Law on Permits and more than 90 related laws, draft legislation on Economic Freedom, bills aimed at removing obstacles to investment, the tax reform package, and amendments to the Law on Banks and the Law on the Central Bank. He also highlighted the need to adopt legislation introducing the judge-led evidence principle to ensure that matters concerning the best interests of children are thoroughly and objectively established. In addition, revised drafts of the Family Law and a Private Supplementary Pension Law will be developed, discussed, and adopted.

He further stressed the need to amend the Health Insurance Law to ensure the financial sustainability of the health insurance system, improve governance and operations of the National Health Insurance Council, and strengthen the independence, transparency, accountability, and oversight of the insurance fund. Amendments to the Law on Health Care Services will aim to improve the quality, accessibility, and safety of medical services, promote public health and healthy lifestyles, and enhance primary health care. The speaker also called on lawmakers to engage in constructive debate during the spring session to establish a sound legal environment for combating corruption.

Speaker Uchral also noted that during the parliamentary recess, the Secretariat of the State Great Khural introduced the e.parliament.mn platform to enhance transparency, digitalization, and evidence-based parliamentary activities. The platform provides real-time public access to information on members’ attendance, voting records, meeting schedules, submitted draft laws, and participation in working groups. A big-data statistical dashboard containing over 160 indicators across 12 sub-groups in four key economic and social sectors has been launched.

Following the Speaker’s address, the National Anthem of Mongolia was played.

President Khurelsukh then delivered remarks. Amid changes in the global order, new challenges facing the international system, and economic difficulties, he emphasized the importance of strengthening national unity, maintaining consistent policies, and exercising discipline and responsibility to overcome the current challenges.
The President stated that the legislation to be discussed during the spring session should focus on minimizing potential economic difficulties, increasing fuel and energy supply, improving productivity in the mining and industrial sectors, opening new export markets, raising citizens’ incomes, and improving the tax environment to ensure the stable operation of businesses and taxpayers.

He also noted that he had submitted to Parliament a draft law amending the Law on the State Great Khural within the scope of his constitutional powers. The bill aims to enhance the ethics and accountability of members of parliament, restore public trust in state institutions, strengthen national unity, and further consolidate democratic parliamentary governance and parliamentary integrity.

The President emphasized that the strength of parliamentary immunity ultimately rests not on legal protection but on the trust and confidence of the people. Ignoring this trust and provoking public dissatisfaction, he warned, poses a danger that could undermine parliament from within.

He noted that adopting the proposed law would increase public trust in government, strengthen public oversight and participation in parliament, improve accountability among political parties, coalitions, and members of parliament, reduce populism, and raise the standards required of candidates.

The President added that while Mongolians launched the democratic revolution in 1990, the Year of the White Horse, in pursuit of freedom, this Year of the Fire Horse should mark the beginning of an “ethical revolution” aimed at strengthening Mongolia’s democratic governance.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 spring regular session of the State Great Khural then concluded, reported the State Great Khural’s Press Office.