In regard to his accepting of Mr. Malone’s letter of credence, President Battulga received the newly assigned Ambassador for a bilateral meeting.

Beginning the meeting, Mr. Philip Malone expressed his gratitude for the solemn reception and hospitality. Previously, Mr. Malone worked as minister at the UK Embassy in Singapore, charge d’Affaires at the Embassy in Helsinki and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Laos. The Ambassador expressed his belief that, although it is his first visit to Mongolia, his diplomatic experience will contribute to the future cooperation.

President Battulga, beforehand, wished Ambassador Philip Malone success in his career, and said “Having established diplomatic relations in 1963, UK is the first among western countries to have diplomatic ties with Mongolia. I would like to congratulate you on the 55th diplomatic anniversary, being marked this year. I am grateful for the fact that Mongolia and UK have built a concrete fundament on which the friendship and cooperation can prosper and for the flourishment of bilateral cooperation in many areas.”

Mentioning that bilateral trade turnover has reached more than USD 680 million which is “not a sufficient performance”, the President asked Ambassador Malone to attach more importance to intensifying economic interaction. The head of state also suggested the Ambassador to travel through all 21 aimags of Mongolia, and explained that it will help him get more understanding about our nomadic culture and the people, as well as it might assist in making more favorable and effective decisions.

In response, Mr. Philip Malone expressed that he accepts President Battulga’s advice, and discussed the possibilities of cooperation in not only economy but in many areas starting with culture and education.