Speeches / Statements
Prime Minister’s Statement to Media on the State Visit of the President of Mongolia to India
14/09/2009
It is an honour for me to welcome the President of Mongolia, His Excellency President Elbegdorj to India. This is not only President’s first visit to India, but also his first visit overseas after his election as the President of Mongolia in June 2009. This is a clear testimony to the great importance that both sides attach to our bilateral relations.
Our relations with Mongolia have strong historical and spiritual roots. They are characterized by warmth and deep friendship. The 1994 Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation provides the guiding principles for developing our relations.
I have had extremely productive discussions with President Elbegdorj. We reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. I conveyed to the President that relations with Mongolia are an important pillar of our policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
We have today decided to update our bilateral ties to the level of a “Comprehensive Partnership”. The Joint Declaration that will be issued charts out the future course of our relations.
We have signed Agreements in the field of peaceful uses of radioactive minerals and nuclear energy, health, culture and statistics. India will provide Mongolia a soft loan of 25 million US dollars to help it to stabilise its economy in the wake of the global financial crisis.
In the area of human resources development and capacity building, we will double the number of annual slots for Mongolia under our ITEC programme from 60 to 120. I have assured the President of our readiness to assist Mongolia in the field of education, particularly in the teaching of English language, and information technology. We will assist Mongolia in the establishment of an Information Technology Centre. We see great potential for deeper cooperation in the areas of mining and agriculture.
We have agreed to increase our trade, investment and economic exchanges, building upon the Bilateral Investment Protection and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements that are already in place.
We also attach importance to our expanding defence exchanges and cooperation with Mongolia, including regular joint exercises between our armies. We have agreed to strengthen our cooperation in this area.
We have agreed to continue to work together closely on regional and international issues, including combating terrorism and reform of the United Nations Security Council, to advance our shared interests.
The President has invited me to visit Mongolia. I am most grateful for this invitation and accept it with pleasure.
President Elbegdorj’s visit to India has opened a new chapter in our relations.
New Delhi
September 14, 2009