Korea and Mongolia are marking 35 years of diplomatic relations with renewed efforts to deepen their strategic partnership across economic, technological and cultural fronts, according to Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan, Chairman of the State Great Khural, or Parliament, of Mongolia.
In a written interview with The Korea Times, Amarbayasgalan described the current relationship as having been “elevated to the level of a strategic partnership,” emphasizing shared democratic values and common regional interests. “Over the past 35 years, relations and cooperation between our two countries have expanded across all sectors of society and the economy,” he said.
Amarbayasgalan emphasized that the bilateral relationship, which stems from Mongolia’s “Third Neighbor” policy, is rooted in shared values such as democracy, human rights and the principles of a market economy. “Mongolia deeply appreciates the consistent support provided by Korea during our democratic and economic transition,” he said.
In terms of economy, Amarbayasgalan highlighted the significant potential of mining and supply chains, stating that “Mongolia’s mineral wealth, when combined with Korea’s advanced technology and expertise, offers substantial opportunities for cooperation.”
He referenced the 2023 memorandum on rare metals and the establishment of a joint research center for rare metals as a cornerstone of future Korea-Mongolia collaboration. The project involves establishing four laboratories for research and processing, adding that it will “lay a strong foundation for expanding future cooperation in this field.”
He also mentioned significant infrastructure projects, such as the Solongo 1 and 2 apartment developments and the construction of thermal power plants in 10 provincial centers. “Both sides are working closely to ensure the successful and effective implementation of these projects and programs,” he added.
He said that Mongolia is also working to diversify its economy beyond mining and welcomes Korean support and investment in its agricultural and processing industries under improved preferential tax conditions.
The speaker described the visit of former National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo to Mongolia in 2023 as “friendly and cordial.”
It was the first visit by a Korean parliamentary leader in 12 years. Discussions reinforced support for bilateral trade and investment. “We agreed to focus parliamentary support for increasing trade and investment between our two countries,” he said.
People-to-people ties were also a key focus of the talks. “Since 2022, the Mongolian government has exempted Korean tourists from visa requirements. Consequently, 193,000 Korean nationals visited Mongolia last year,” he said, citing the country's growing popularity among Korean tourists, who are attracted by its natural beauty, peaceful countryside, blue skies and wide-open steppes.
Amarbayasgalan confirmed that negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries are well underway, with four rounds having been completed thus far. “This agreement … holds significant importance for expanding trade, services and economic cooperation,” he said. “It will establish a legal framework for collaboration between private businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Mongolian night sky / Korea Times file
Mongolian night sky / Korea Times file
He also acknowledged Korea’s long-standing support in the form of grant aid and concessional loans, which have played a crucial role in Mongolia’s transition to a democratic and market-based economy.
“Between 1991 and 2023, Korea provided $237.7 million in nonrefundable aid,” he said, citing major initiatives such as the Greenbelt program and urban development projects in Ulaanbaatar.
Looking ahead, Mongolia envisages a strategic partnership with Korea in the areas of green energy and digital governance. “There is great potential for cooperation in areas such as wind and solar energy, smart grid development and the introduction of energy storage systems,” said Amarbayasgalan.
He referred to the Memorandum of Understanding on e-governance signed in 2023 by Mongolia’s Cabinet Secretariat and Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety. “The two parties are sharing knowledge and enhancing their human resources capacity in areas such as the digitalization of public services, open data, data security and the use of artificial intelligence in public administration,” he said.
Tourism and cultural exchange are also experiencing rapid growth. “More than 350,000 people traveled between the two countries last year alone,” Amarbayasgalan said. “At the peak of the tourism season, over 100 direct flights operate weekly between Mongolia and Korea.” Plans are in place to increase air connectivity, develop new tour packages and introduce youth exchange programs, including internships.
Cultural initiatives include “Mongolia-Korea Cultural Month,” joint exhibitions, film festivals and artistic performances, all of which are intended to foster deeper understanding between the two peoples. “The friendly relationship between our peoples, along with the linguistic and cultural similarities between our two nations, provide a solid foundation for the continued expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation,” he said.
Regarding regional diplomacy, Amarbayasgalan reaffirmed Mongolia’s commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider Northeast Asian region. “Mongolia supports peace and prosperity … and the resolution of disputes through peaceful dialogue,” he said. He noted that Mongolia has hosted the “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” every year since 2013, with preparations underway for the session in June.
In his closing message, Amarbayasgalan conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the people and leaders of Korea.
“The strategic partnership between Mongolia and Korea is founded on the principles of democracy, an open society and shared development,” he said. “Our partnership ... contributes to regional stability and peace.” He also reaffirmed Mongolia’s commitment to further strengthening this trust-based relationship in the years to come.
BY
Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.

Published Date:2025-06-23