The Jilin's Expo is being attended by some 50 businessmen of Mongolia engaged in construction, foods, agriculture, tourism sectors, leather processing, and light and heavy industries organized by Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

MONGOLIA-VIETNAM INTER-GOVERNMENTAL MEETING OPENS          

In accordance with a decision of the cabinet, the 14th meeting of Mongolia-Vietnam inter-governmental commission on trade, economics, science and technical cooperation started Thursday in Ulaanbaatar. This meeting will last until August 30.
In frames of the inter-governmental meeting, a business meeting themed "Opportunities of Vietnam-Mongolia cooperation in trade and investment" has been held in Hanoi city. It is co-organized by the Embassy of Mongolia in Vietnam, the Vietnam's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Local Development with raising many issues on the business ties and trade between Mongolia and Vietnam.
At the forum, the Mongolia's side introduced to Vietnamese businessmen to legal environment of external trade and investments in Mongolia, political and economic conditions, the state policy and decisions and to the program of providing the foreign relations with economic contents.
The Vietnamese side expressed a willingness to produce traditional medicines made of bones of Mongolian white horses, to run Mongolian horse meet, beef and mutton business and to export foods to Mongolia.

BAN KI-MOON APPRECIATES PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVE     

The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon has sent a letter to the Mongolian President Ts.Elbegdorj.
The letter states that the UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon appreciates the State Head's initiative to arrange a cabinet meeting in Gobi which is the largest dry-land in Asia. The Secretary-General wished the President to pay more attentions to matters regarding to desertification which has been intensively running in Mongolia and aspects of the climate change to the world, during the upcoming a regular meeting of the Mongolia's government.
Mr. Ban mentioned that he visited Mongolia on July of 2009, and then noted that he deeply felt influences of the global climate change and desertification to herdsman families in Mongolia during a stay in Khustain Nuruu. “I understood that it is important to reduce hazards of climate change and to protect the earth's mineral resources including infertile and dry lands due to my visit to Mongolia,” said Mr. Ban. He hoped that Ministers of Mongolia will also have such feeling during the cabinet meeting to be held in Gobi.
This month, the UN announced a 10-year campaign of fighting against desertification. Mr. Ban emphasized that desertification has become a urgent problem because it is causing threats to some one billion people in about 100 countries today. For example, the global security is facing dangers due to the global climate change, unsustainable development of agriculture and disordered use of water.
“Climate change is accelerating desertification. I think we can slacken or stop desertification and can reduce poverty by increasing agricultural productions if we fight with climate change. Great efforts of countries and regions will play important role to tackle these problems,” Mr. Ban stressed.
According to the letter, the UN Secretary-General confirmed that the UN will make all possible efforts to help Mongolia and other countries for adaptations in times of acceleration of drought, desertification and natural extreme climate.            
The Secretary-General wished the cabinet meeting in Gobi success for works to overcome the above difficulties.

JAPAN SEWAGE WORKS ASSOCIATION IS TO WORK WITH MONGOLIA    

Japan Sewage Works Association (JSWA) is to work together with a related organization to study  in Mongolia a sewage plant in the near future and to create the investments condition for introducing new technology.
A director and vice director of the JSWA's department of foreign relations Mr. Sakamaki and Mr. Kobayashii together with Mr. Inoue, a senior engineer of the Nippon Koei company LTD, have talked about these matters during their visit to Mongolia.
Invited by Mongolia's Lands relations, consrtuction, geodesy and cartography authority, the Japanese are to get au fait with  sewage plants of UB city, "Nisekh" district, Baganuur district and Ondorkhaan city. 
They intend to study possibilities of cooperating with local professional authority in refining sewage plants, of exchanging information, running trainings and tours, advising the JICA projects, supporting an introduction of new hi tech, making investments. 

ASIA FOUNDATION TO HELP SLACKEN CENTRALIZATION  

Head of the Sub-committee on Local Governance at the State Great Khural D.Zagdjav received Wednesday a delegation led by Mrs. Asha Gosh, the Assistant Director of Local Governance Programs for the Asia Foundation, in the Government House.
The sides exchanges views on slackening centralization at governance and strengthening the best forms of good governance. D.Zagdjav thanked the Asia Foundation (AF) for conducting a research and examination in important matters related to purposes and activities of the sub-committee. He said Mongolia set up a working group to draw up draft laws on local budget and on local taxes.     
E.Bat-Uul MP, a member of the sub-committee, underlined that members of parliament and executive governance bodies do not have enough theoretical knowledge and experiences in tackling problems such as slackening centralization of state functions and ensuring unity of governance.
The AF delegation said they are ready to cooperate with the sub-committee in the above matters. 

PRIME MINISTER BEGINS TOUR TO GOBI AIMAGS  

In accordance with an assignment, the Prime Minister S.Batbold started Tuesday touring the Gobi aimags. Firstly he visited Dornogobi aimag accompanied by a majority of his cabinet members.
The Premier got acquainted with the “Onorbayar” farming enterprise of dairy products and vegetables. Located 6 km far from Sainshand city, the farm has been set up with a loan of MNT 50 million from the capital given as support of small- and middle-sized productions. This farm is considered as the biggest one of its kind in the locality. "We can expand if a matter of water is solved," said the farm owner B.Onorbayar.
S.Batbold said the government will support those who create job places and run productions in localities.

PREMIER MEETS LOCAL PEOPLE AND AUTHORITIES  

The Prime Minister has held a meeting with people of Dornogobi aimag during the tour to Gobi aimags.
The Premier mentioned that development and progress of any country depend on that country's people and noted that the government intends to reach the biggest goal--to prepare professional trained staffers in view of beginning of great construction. Then he said this goal must be tied up with creating job places and emphasized that the Mongolians are on the edge of grabbing a historical opportunity to develop the country provided they are more creative in the deeds. 
People of Dornogobi gave shown their interest in the cabinet's decision about alloting money from the Human Development Fund for covering a half of tuition fees of universities and institutes. They are also satisfied with the government proposal to reflect in the 2012 budget the money for running a 45 km road from Sainshand to Khamriin Khiid monastery, and with the cabinet's policies and activities.
The Prime Minister told the aimag's authority to urgently solve arguments concerning elections of Citizens' Representative Khural in some soums.       
       
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Then the Premier met state servants of the aimag. He advised them to reflect in their work proposals and requests from ordinary people. He underlined that the state should not interfere with the private sector's activities but must create for it a proper business environment and told to put in order all resolusions and decisions and to deliver benefits from the HDF.     
State organizations should pay great attention to implementation of laws in local areas, he went on obliging state servants to be an example in realizing laws.
The winter preparation was one of the key issues discussed at the meeting with the locals. The Premier ordered the authorities to ensure this preparation and said he will observe its implementation.

WORLD VETERINARY ASSOCIATION EXPERTS WORK IN MONGOLIA   

A working group, comprising four experts from the World Veterinary Association (WVA), worked here August 2-13 according to a request Mongolia had put to the WVA. The experts have got au fait with structure of  Mongolia's veterinary service, situation of vet organizations in localities, system of dealing with animal husbandry, besides, gave an appraisal of experiences and measures in combating livestock infectious diseases, of activities of the UB city and localities' vet  centers.
In 2007, the WVA drew a conclusion on activities of Mongolia's veterinary sector, in accordance of which the government set up a department of vet service and breeding in 2008.        
Considerable works have been done since to strengthen vet hospitals of aimags, train specialists, support private vet hospitals. Nonetheless, this sphere still has problems to be urgently tackled to make livestock healthy, export livestock and raw materials, increase effectiveness of the animal husbandry and to improve livelihood of herdsmen.    
The WVA experts concluded a present level of Mongolia's vet sector pursuant to the WVA-approved directives, made a prediction about further level of the vet sector, agreed with the Mongolian side to realize some goals and seek financial sources.
The State Great Khural approved this year the “Mongolian livestock” national program to develop the animal husbandry in 2010-2021. The program involves a part on accommodating vet sector of Mongolia with international standards.
The government considers that the WVA experts' activity will give a significant contribution to attracting attention of donor- countries and international organizations to implementing the goals of the program.

TRAINING RUNS ON RESPONSIBLE MINING

Dedicated to administrative staffers training "Responsible mineral industry-Specialized inspection" has been organized with a financing from the Asia Foundation and General Agency for specialized inspection (GASI).  
The gathered have discussed several important matters concerning the responsible a specialized inspection in minerals sphere, organization's opennes, corruption, moral, reform in specialized inspection, changes management. Going deep into these issues will certanly help foresee negative consequences appearing in the environment and run a ris-based inspection. Apart of this, the attendees have talked about reflecting a participation of local specialized inspection organizations in next year's plans, ways of improving a survey of people and entities engaged in food, environment and mining production. 
The training has been attended by some 45 people from General Agency for Specialized Inspection, the city and 21 provinces' specialized inspection agencies, international border checkpoints and other related institutions. 

DAY OF HEALTHY CITY TO RUN IN SEPTEMBER

Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city Ts.Tsogzolmaa received Tuesday Mrs. Tanya Grechukhina, a senior specialist of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in charge of information and advertisement affairs for educational sector.
At the meeting, the sides discussed a possibility of co-organizing a day themed "Healthy city" together with Ulaanbaatar.
The Deputy Mayor said it would be right to organize this action within September adding that the city authorities decided to  organize a day called "Healthy city" on September 9. This day, Ulaanbaatar and the MCA will pay attention to the city people' health by, for example, banning shops from selling alcohol and tobaccos and propagandizing healthy foods.

FOREIGN MINISTER OF JAPAN TO VISIT MONGOLIA     

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Katsuya Okada will pay an official visit to Mongolia August 29-30 at the invitation of Mongolia's Foreign Minister G.Zandanshatar.
During the upcoming visit, Mr. Okada will hold negotiations with the Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs. They will exchange views on the Mongolia-Japan relations and cooperation and on regional and international issues.
In addition to it, the President Ts.Elbegdorj and the Prime Minister S.Batbold will receive the Japanese Foreign Minister.

GERMANY'S STATE SECRETARY OF HEALTH MINISTRY VISITNG 

A delegation headed by Mrs. Annette Widmann-Mauz, Germany's Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health, is paying a visit to Mongolia. On Monday, Mrs. Widmann-Mauz was received by the Health Minister S.Lambaa.
The same day, Mrs. Widmann-Mauz visited the Research Center for Mother and Infant to present medical equipment. On Tuesday, she attended a consultative meeting of the Mongolia-Germany cooperation in the health sector.
In frames of the program, Mrs. Widmann-Mauz will visit Cardio-vascular Center, the National Center of Infectious Diseases Studies and a hospital in Tov aimag's Erdene soum. She will also meet with D.Demberel and members of parliamentary Standing committee on budget and of Mongolia-Germany inter-parliamentary group.
Meetings will be held in the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mongolia and in the Representative of the GTZ (German Technical Cooperation Agency).

MONGOLIA-S.KOREA CONSULAR CONSULTATIVE MEETING EXPECTED       

A consular consultative meeting of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Republic of Korea will be held August 25 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.
A director of the Consular Department of the Foreign Ministry D.Gankhuyag and a director of S.Korea's Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peg Ju Heong will hold negotiations, will share views on facilitating visiting terms of peoples of the two countries and on protecting legal interests of the people. The sides also plan to exchange opinions on controlling over certificates of the Mongolian students to study in S.Korea and to consider an agreement proposed by S.Korea on using an airspace.
The same day, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia D.Tsogtbaatar will receive the South Korean delegation.

MONGOLIA AND JAPAN AIM TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS FROM PRIVATE SECTOR      

The Minister for Mineral Resource and Energy D.Zorigt had paid an official visit to Japan at an invitation of the government of the country.

During this visit, the Japanese side expressed a willingness to cooperate with Mongolia in processing coal by environmentally-friendly ways and contribute to decreasing air pollution in Ulaanbaatar city.

Two countries agreed that the sides should expand investments of private sector to the biggest projects in order to bring the bilateral ties into a new level. Thus, the sides agreed to prepare trained staffs and to develop comprehensive collaboration introduced new techniques and technologies in many sectors with an aim to attract investments from private sector.

During the visit, the Mongolia's Ministry for Mineral Resource and Energy and the Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy have signed a contract on starting a work of researching geological resources in Mongolia.
In addition to it, the sides agreed to conduct a joint research on attracting investments from private sector and to render support to Mongolia in respect of a document signed between Mongolia and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The sides also shared views on realizing the agreement on constructing a new international airport.
The first stage of the two-stage developmental official assistance to be rendered from Japan to Mongolia has USD 29 million. The second stage of the assistance is expected to have more size of money than first stage.

DELEGATION OF PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE VISITS TEXAS STATE  

In frames of the project on deepening reforms in court, initiated by the President Ts.Elbegdorj, a Mongolia official group has visited the USA.
The delegation comprising a head of the Presidential Office D.Battulga, a legal advisor to the President G.Ganzorig, and advisor to the President Dr. B.Chimed have visited Texas State to get acquainted with legal procedure and activities of the Texas Bar Association and its structure.
The delegation has met Aric Short Short, an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Texas Wesleyan Law School, and Joe Spurlock, professor of Law at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and director of the Court Training of Asia. The sides agreed to widen the collaboration between the Presidential Office and the Texas Wesleyan University, to involve the Presidential Office's officials in short-term training and courses. The Presidential Office invited professors and teachers of the University to conduct trainings and researches in Mongolia.            
The Mongolian delegation also met with Wallace B.Jefferson, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, and with judges of Tarrant district and Hillsboro country of Texas, got au fait with judicial system of Texas, rules of selecting and appointing judges and activities of the Ethical Committee of Judges.
The same day, the delegation met with Rick Perry, a Governor of Texas State, and Ken Armbrister, a Texas Governor's Director of Legislative Affairs. They exchanged views on the cooperation issues and agreed to work out certain proposals.

TAX AUTHORITY OFFICIALS VISITED CHINA

A delegation headed by Ts.Oyunbaatar, head of Mongolia's Tax Administration (MTA) paid a visit to China's Beijing and Shanghai August 8-15 at invitation of the State Administration of Taxation of China (SATC). The visiting group comprised Ch.Jigjid, a deputy head of the MTA, S.Tuul, a head of MTA's tax collection section, S.Enkhbaatar, head of the City's Tax Office, and A.Byambajav, head of the Arkhangai aimag's Tax Office.
They visited a central building of China's Tax Authority, held negotiations with Peng Kin, deputy head of the International Tax Department of the SATC, and signed a mutually understand memorandum with Qian Guanlin, a deputy commissioner of the SATC on the cooperation between the MTA and SATC.
Ts.Oyunbaatar shared views with Wang Li, a SATC's deputy commissioner. Highly speaking his Mongolian counterparts, Wang Li expressed a willingness to share experiences with them. 
 

PREMIER MEETS BUNDESTAG COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN                  

The Prime Minister S.Batbold received Monday Dr. Karl A. Lamers, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).
The Premier mentioned that Mongolia adheres to the multi-lateral foreign policy, and considers that the FRG is a third neighbor of Mongolia. Mr. Batbold underlined that the bilateral cooperation have been developing successfully in the sectors of education and defense and in the peacekeeping operations in frames of the comprehensive partnership.
"Our countries face a new opportunity to develop the bilateral collaboration in economic and investment spheres," Mr. Batbold said, and added that thousands of Mongolians who speak German language can be served as a bridge for the relations between the countries.   
The Premier mentioned about an importance to introduce Germany's techniques and technologies in Mongolia, and requested the German side to render support to Mongolia that intends to establish a partnership and cooperation contract with the European Union (EU).  
In his turn, Mr. Karl underlined that Mongolia is significantly contributing to the international cause for peacekeeping. He expressed a willingness to pay a great attention to developing the bilateral cooperation in commerce and investment sectors.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENTS 

Ulaanbaatar Investments of MNT 19 billion has been alloted from the state budget of 2010 for rhe  construction in the health sector.
A Minister of Health S.Lambaa has got au fait with a course of erecting buildings and participated in some events in the city. He has attended a ceremony of laying a foundation stone of a building for the Health Center in Bayangol district, visited a construction site of annexes of the 3rd Clinics named after Shastin and of National Center of Oncology. 
Then he took part in a ceremony of laying foundation stone of Ulaanbaatar city's 1,000-seat sports complex to be erected near the Central Stadium. The money of MNT 2.5 billion has been budgeted, so far 103 million has been issued in 2010 for this complex. The construction has been performed by the "Uureg Trade" LLC.    
For the time being, an evaluation of a tender is underway for an annex of the National Center of Psychopathology, besides, a winner of the tender of the city's 300-bed Hospital of Mothers and Infants erecting will be announced soon.
According to authorities of the National Center of Oncology, the latest apparatuses will be installed in the center. 

S.BATBOLD: WE NEED TO STUDY EXPERIENCES OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The Prime Minister S.Batbold has ordered members of a working group to intensify an  introduction of the European standards into all spheres of Mongolia. The working group has been set up with an aim to work out a policy on implementing common principles, norms and standards of the European Union (EU).
On Thursady, the group discussed a draft plan and decided then to update it including into it the Premier and some Ministers' proposals.   
Former socialist countries in Europe such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland have become plenipotentiary members of the EU thanks to successfully realizing the Union's common principles, norms and standards. Candidates for the EU must fulfill the standards in the first turn.
The Premier underlined that Mongolia should study experiences of the above countries because "our country has traditional relations with them and used to have the same political system". He expressed a hope that these European countries are ready to help Mongolia.
Mentioning that our country intends to establish a partnership and cooperation contract with the EU, the Premier noted that this contract has a special chapter about a collaboration in implementation of the European standards, norms and common principles. He said the EU appreciated this contract, and obliged the working group to intensify the works by updating the plan.
At the end of the meeting, an Ambassador B.Batkhishig was appointed as secretary of the working group which is led by N.Altankhuyag, the First Deputy Premier of Mongolia.


PRIME MINISTER MEETS U.S GENERAL GREGSON   

The Prime Minister S.Batbold received Friday a Lieutenant General Wallace C.Gregson, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia-Pacific affairs.
Beginning the meeting, the Premier noted that the Mongolia-USA cooperation have been developing in frames of the bilateral comprehensive partnership in strengthening democracy and in humanitarian, trade, economics, education and defense sectors. Mr. Batbold emphasized that the cooperation at international arena has been widening as well.
“Today, the Mongolian troops are running peacekeeping operations in hot spots of the world. Mongolia has been cooperating with the USA in ensuring international regional security. We are able to widen our cooperation in strengthening the security in Asia-Pacific region,” stressed Mr. Batbold.
The Premier confirmed that the “Khaan Quest” joint field exercises, started in 2004, is one of the important parts of the bilateral cooperation in the defense sector. These field exercises have a vital importance in improving skills of Mongolian servicemen and their capability of collaborating with international armed forces,” Mr. Batbold said adding that the “Khaan Quest” exercises aim to strengthen military confidence and understanding among regional countries. 
In response, Mr. Gregson highly spoke a level of the Mongolia-USA relations including the cooperation in defense sector, and underlined that role of Mongolia in the global peacekeeping activities has reached international standards.
Mr. Gregson expressed a willingness to continue the cooperation with Mongolia in strengthening and developing the military sector and in ensuring the international and regional security.

CONSULTATIVE MEETING RUNS HERE 

The 5th consultative meeting has been running between Mongolia and China's defense sectors in Ulaanbaatar. The meeting will last until August 23.
A delegation led by Colonel-General Ma Syaotyang, Deputy Head of the Headquarters of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), has been received by the Premier S.Batbold, a Minister of Defence L.Bold, and by Lieutenant-General Ts.Bayambajav, a Head of the Headquarters. Duting these meeting, matters of the collaboration in the defence sector have been discussed and the Chinese side's intention has been sounded about giving Mongolia CNY 17 million as non-refundable aid. 
The consultative meeting has been chaired by Major-General M.Borbaatar, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, from Mongolian side, and by Colonel-General Ma Syaotyang, the Deputy Head of the Headquarters of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), from Chinese side.
Organised every year consultative meeting has been focusing on the cooperation between the two countries troops, its process and results, on determining prospect. The sides have been sharing views on the regional security issues as well. The time proves that such meeting make significant contribution to strengthening a confidence and understanding between the troops cooperation.

JICA BRANCH HEAD BECOMES HONORARY CITIZEN OF ULAANBAATAR  

The UB city Maoyr G.Monkhbayar presented a medal of "Honorary Citizen of the city" to Ishida Yukiko, a head of JICA for his significant contribution to the development of the UB city.
Mr. Yushiko has completed his term of office here and is returning home. Under his leadership, the JICA has successfully realized in the city a project on water consumption. Twelve years ago JICA studied water consumption in apartments and revealed that in average, a member of one family would use 580 liters of water a day, recalled Munkhbayar. Water flow counters were installed in the apartments, thanks to which the usage of water decreased to 90 liters a day. "This and other researches have made JICA the closest partner of the UB city," he underlined.
Mr. Yukiko introduced the gathered to his successor Isogai Toshikori and said,"JICA will always work with Mongolia". He invited the Mayor Monkhbayar to visit Hokkaido island October this year.  

MONGOLIA-GERMANY CONSULTATIVE MEETING HELD 

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, /MONTSAME/ A regular consultative meeting ran between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Federation Republic of Germany (FRG). The meeting was co-chaired by D.Tsogtbaatar, the State Secretary of Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by S.Nunn, a special envoy of the FRG's Foreign Ministry in charge of Asian affairs. 
At the meeting, the sides expressed their satisfaction with a development of the Mongolia-Germany relations and cooperation at the comprehensive partnership level, and noted that the countries can widen the bilateral ties.   
The sides have shared views on certain matters of the cooperation, discussed opportunities to provide the ties with economic content and to increase commerce and investments--to implement projects in infrastructure and mining in lines of guaranteed loans of  FRG's government and to widen the collaboration in the educational sector.    
The sides shared opinions on the cooperation in frames of the European Union (EU), international and regional policy and other issues.

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY MARKED 

The second World Humanitarian Day was celebrated on August 19. This year's theme is “We are humanitarian workers” and focuses on the actual work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. “By definition, the people who are working trying to tackle humanitarian need are working in places which are often remote, usually difficult, and very often dangerous as well, because that's where the conflicts are and that's where the natural disasters happen” says John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
Man-made and natural disaster cause immense suffering for millions of people every year, very often among the world's poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable individuals. There are currently more than 27 million internally displaced people and 10 million refugees in the world. One out of every six people in the world are chronically hungry. Humanitarian workers strive to ensure that all those who have experienced a traumatic event and need life-saving assistance receive it, regardless of where they are in the world and regardless of their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs.
Humanitarian workers are forgotten heroes, heroes without whom there wouldn't be any humanitarian assistance. Not only do they work in the most difficult places of the world, in extreme temperature, threatened by diseases but in dangerous places as well where they risk their lives to help the destitute, the victims of conflicts or natural catastrophes.
Last winter, Mongolia faced a severe Dzud, leading to much loss and suffering by the Mongolian people, especially the herders. The United Nations in Mongolia would like to recognize and thank all humanitarian aid workers, national and international, who worked to assist those herders and their families that were affected by the disaster. It was through their immediate response and selfless efforts that many families found means to continue their lives.
19 August marks the day when 22 employees of the UN were killed at a bomb attack in Baghdad in 2003 and has thus been chosen by the United Nations to commemorate the work of humanitarian workers all around the world.
19 August is also an occasion for the UN in Mongolia to remember Mr. Matthew Girvin, Ms. Bayarmaa, Ms. Sabine Metzner, Mr. Gerard Le Clair, Mr. Sh. Otgonbileg, Mr. Batzorig, Mr. Takahiro Kato and Mr. Minoru Masakiwho lost their lives on 14 January 2001 in a helicopter crash in Malchin soum of Uvs aimag during a humanitarian needs assessment mission to Dzud affected western aimags.

CABINET MEETS IN GOBI  

The government of Mongolia held its regular meeting on August 27 in Gobi desert near an area named “Gashuun khooloi” in Bayandalai soum, Omnogobi aimag.
At the beginning of the meeting the Prime Minister S.Batbold noted that the main purposes of this meeting "is to attract attention of the mass to matters on problems of the global climate change, to discuss them and find out ways of solving them".  “Researchers have confirmed that various changes in global climate and natural disasters are rooting from incorrect actions of humankind,” the Premier added.
The Minister of Environment and Tourism L.Gansukh introduced to the cabinet a report on climate change, its negative affects, further measures against it. He underlined that the changes of global climate have been clearly observed on Mongolia's  territories, and that due to them eco-system underwent considerable changes within 40 years.            
According to statistics, frequencies of natural disasters such as drought, zud, floods, torrential rain, strong winds and desertification have increased in Mongolia. Economic losses and damages due to them rose two times within 20 years, moreover, mortality of population due to accidents and heart and gastrointestinal diseases are expected to increase.
After the reports of the Premier and the Minister of Environment, the cabinet discussed a draft updated program on climate change and decided to submit it to the State Great Khural having reflected Ministers' proposals.            
The government has sent a message addressing the world community about paying attention to the serious matters created due to climate change in Mongolia and in countries over the world. 
The head of the coalition government of Mongolia S.Batbold expressed a confidence that the cabinet meeting, held in a locality namely in Gobi desert, will contribute to tackling problems of the global climate change, and stated that the coalition government will fulfill the related goals.  
“…climate change is a serious problem not only for the state and government, but also for every person. Thus, people may change their lifestyle and activities in the changing world and conditions,” S.Batbold stressed, and pointed out that people have an opportunity to save energy by effectively regulating their consumption of energy and heating.


MONGOLIA QAURTERLY ECONOMIC UPDATE ISSUED BY WORLD BANK  

The World Bank has made Mongolia's Monthly Economic Update which provides an update on recent economic and social developments and policies in Mongolia.
It also presents findings of ongoing World Bank activities in Mongolia. The Mongolia Monthly is produced by a team from the World Bank's Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM) Sector Unit in the East Asia and Pacific Region Vice-Presidency, with key inputs from other members of the Mongolia country team. Copies can be downloaded from http://www.worldbank.org.mn.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The improvement in public finances since last year, coupled with buoyant revenue due to the commodity price recovery, has led to growing pressures for increased government spending. Recently approved budget amendments envisage a 4.5 percent of GDP increase in spending on the originally approved 2010 budget, while the Mid-Term Budget Framework (MTBF) for 2011-2013 projects another 12.1 percent of GDP increase in spending in 2011. The main driver for the increases is the execution of promises made by both coalition parties to distribute MNT 1.5 million (around US$1000) to each citizen in the form of cash and non-cash handouts and large public sector wage increases planned for October of this year. If these public spending plans materialize, they will set the stage for a renewed bout of high inflation and a possible return to the macroeconomic vulnerability characteristic of the boom-and-bust cycle of the recent past.
May data indicates inflation is on an upward trajectory, reaching 11.7 percent on an annual basis. This is up from around 2 percent in December. Supply side factors, notably rising meat prices due to the dzud and an increase in regulated electricity prices, have contributed to inflation. But demand pull factors have become important too, reflecting the closing of the output gap in the economy due to the rapid recovery and the February cash transfers. According to the government's own estimates, inflation is likely to reach over 20 percent by the end of the year.
Moreover, with uncertain domestic and foreign financing conditions, continued fiscal consolidation remains crucial for Mongolia. The adoption of, and adherence to, the Fiscal Stability Law - which was recently passed by the Parliament - will be key in Mongolia's efforts to constrain fiscal spending to prudent and sustainable levels. The new law will also manage the huge revenue inflows expected from the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) mine from 2016 onward.
Trade data show a sustained recovery in Mongolia's exports. This is supported by upward momentum in metal prices and increasing copper and coal imports by China, Mongolia's largest trading partner. The exchange rate against the US dollar has been stable, while foreign exchange reserves are near record levels.
In the banking sector, total lending growth increased as nominal lending and deposit rates remain high. On an aggregate level, the commercial banks contributed MNT 12.4 billion retained profits to their stock of capital in May. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans stabilized in May but is still at 15 percent while principal in arrears is also very high. A bank restructuring strategy was recently drafted by the Bank of Mongolia, reflecting lessons from international experience. Endorsement of the plan by Parliament is crucial so as to prepare Mongolia's banking sector for the upcoming mining boom, while limiting the risks and fiscal costs of future bank failures, if any.
In the real sector, the impact of increasing inflation is evidenced through a decline in real wages. The latest informal wage survey indicates that on average, workers' nominal wages have increased by about 10 percent from January 2010 to June 2010; this is because of an increase in job opportunities in the construction sector. Real wages, however, have declined on average due to the significant increase in the consumer price index.
(to be continued)

STOCK EXCHANGE WEEKLY REVIEW  

Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange (MSE) during the week from August 23 to August 27. In overall, 527.1 thousand shares of 36 JSCs were sold totaling 270.8 million MNT trade.
Index top-20 was 11785.33 points increasing by 912.83 units, or 8.4%, against the week earlier. The total market capitalization was set at MNT 969.7 billion increasing by MNT 72.8 billion or 8.1%.
Shares of "Sharyn gol" JSC (47.3%), "Baganuur" (29.5%) and "Aduunchuluun" (18.0%) were increased, but, "Buligaar" (23.5%), "Material impex" (15.0%), and "Mongol shir" (14.6%) JSCs were decreased at the MSE. A total of 36 shares were sold. Of them, rate of 22 shares were increased, rate of eight shares were decreased, and rate of six shares were stable.
Shares of "Hermes center" JSC (204.3 thousand units), "Remikon" (133.2 thousand units) and "Khokh gan" (81.3 thousand units) JSCs were actively traded in terms of trading volume, but in terms of trading value "Sharyn gol" (MNT 163.3 million), "APU" (MNT 26.7 million) and "Baganuur" (MNT 21.2 million).

Mongolia Quarterly Economic Update - July 2010

The improvement in public finances since last year, coupled with buoyant revenue due to the commodity price recovery, has led to growing pressures for increased government spending. Recently approved budget amendments envisage a 4.5 percent of GDP increase in spending on the originally approved 2010 budget, while the Mid-Term Budget Framework (MTBF) for 2011-2013 projects another 12.1 percent of GDP increase in spending in 2011. The main driver for the increases is the execution of promises made by both coalition parties to distribute MNT 1.5million (around US$1000) to each citizen in the form of cash and non-cash handouts and large public sector wage increases planned for October of this year. If these public spending plans materialize, they will set the stage for a renewed bout of high inflation and a possible return to the macroeconomic vulnerability characteristic of the boom-and-bust cycle of the recent past.

May data indicates inflation is on an upward trajectory, reaching 11.7 percent on an annual basis. This is up from around 2 percent in December. Supply side factors, notably rising meat prices due to the dzud and an increase in regulated electricity prices, have contributed to inflation. But demand pull factors have become important too, reflecting the closing of the output gap in the economy due to the rapid recovery and the February cash transfers. According to the government’s own estimates, inflation is likely to reach over 20 percent by the end of the year.

Moreover, with uncertain domestic and foreign financing conditions, continued fiscal consolidation remains crucial for Mongolia. The adoption of, and adherence to, the Fiscal Stability Law—which was recently passed by the Parliament—will be key in Mongolia’s efforts to constrain fiscal spending to prudent and sustainable levels. The new law will also manage the huge revenue inflows expected from the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) mine from 2016 onward.

Trade data show a sustained recovery in Mongolia’s exports. This is supported by upward momentum in metal prices and increasing copper and coal imports by China, Mongolia’s largest trading partner. The exchange rate against the US dollar has been stable, while foreign exchange reserves are near record levels.

In the banking sector, total lending growth increased as nominal lending and deposit rates remain high. On an aggregate level, the commercial banks contributed MNT 12.4 billion retained profits to their stock of capital in May. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans stabilized in May but is still at 15 percent while principal in arrears is also very high. A bank restructuring strategy was recently drafted by the Bank of Mongolia, reflecting lessons from international experience. Endorsement of the plan by Parliament is crucial so as to prepare Mongolia’s banking sector for the upcoming mining boom, while limiting the risks and fiscal costs of future bank failures, if any.

In the real sector, the impact of increasing inflation is evidenced through a decline in real wages. The latest informal wage survey indicates that on average, workers’ nominal wages have increased by about 10 percent from January 2010 to June 2010; this is because of an increase in job opportunities in the construction sector. Real wages, however, have declined on average due to the significant increase in the consumer price index.

Please read full report http://go.worldbank.org/4SLPSO4M70

New UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative present her credentials

On 16 July, the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu presented her credentials to Mr. G. Zandanshatar, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia.

The minister congratulated Ms. Sinanoglu whit her appointment as the UN RC and UNDP RR and noted that Mongolia and the  UN has had a long-lasting tradition of fruitful and close collaboration in support of the country’s development priorities.

The Minister emphasized that Mongolia is committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and is working towards achieving  them by 2015. The Third National MDG Report, which will be launched on 6 August, provides an update on achievements to date and progress towards the goals. The launch is planned for the official visit of Mr.Ajay Chhibber, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and Pacific who will be in Mongolia from 5-9 August 2010.

 The minister added that the Government of Mongolia will continue to work closely with the UN in developing the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), a comprehensive strategy document describing the UN’s response to the country’s development needs for the years 2012-2016

Ms.Sezin Sinanoglu extended appreciation for the strong cooperation that the Government of Mongolia has extended to the UN over the years, nothing that she looks forward to continuing the fruitful and close collaborating during her term in Mongolia. Ms. Sinanoglu assured that she is committed to working for the people of Mongolia, nothing that the UN will partner not only with the Government but also the civil society, media, the Parliament and all other stakeholders.

UN Resident Coordinator informed that the UNDAF aims to bring the UN agencies’ development work in Mongolia together around common objectives. It is a collective effort of the UN and the national counterparts to address the development priorities of the country. She noted that the joint efforts of the UN, the Government and the civil society for the Dzud appeal are an illustrious example of such successful cooperation.

Previously, MS. Sinanoglu was chief of the Asia/Pacific/Europe/CIS Section of the United Nations Volunteers programme in bonn, Germany (2008-2010). Prior to that, she served as UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan (2004-2008) and Turkmenistan (2002-2004). From 2001-2002, she was the Assistant Programme Director of the Electricity Network Rehabilitation Programme for UNDP in Northern Iraq. She began her career with UNDP in 1995 as a Programme Officer in Turkey. Ms. Sinanoglu holds a Masters in City Planning and a Bachelor of City and Regional Planning from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Monday to open a new control center of road traffic. The center opens in Ulaanbaatar in frames of the project on optimum system of road transport implemented with a long-term soft loan from the S.Korean Economic Cooperation Fund.
           Present at the ceremony were T.Bilegt, head of the Citizens' Representative Khural of the city, B.Monkhbaatar, the city's Deputy Mayor, Ch.Bat, a General Manager of the city, and the Ambassador of S.Korea to Mongolia.
    In a scope of the project, a unified center has been established to control all traffic lights, installed at 46 road junctions together with control cameras. To record information on the roads, CCTV cameras have been installed in 26 junctions, video sensors--at 52 points to transfer to the central control system the information on traffic jams, cars' speed and load of vehicles. In addition, two electronic boards have been placed to give necessary information to drivers and pedestrians. The junctions equipped with traffic lights, CCTV cameras, sensors and boards have been connected with the unified central control system by fibre-optical cable.
VIETNAM'S AMBASSADOR PRESENTS LETTER OF CREDENCE 
Accredited to Mongolia Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam H. E. Hoang Tuan Thinh presented the letter of credence to Mongolia's President Ts.Elbegdorj on June 22.
    After this ceremony Mr. Elbegdorj received the Ambassador.
    The President congratulated Mr. Hoang Tuan Thinh for presenting the credentials and said he is confident that the Ambassador will make a contribution to developing relationship and cooperation between Mongolia and Vietnam.
    "Mongolia has been attaching a great importance to its relations with Vietnam who has become its main partner in Southeast Asia," Elbegdorj said, and pointed out that peoples of the countries have helped each other in difficult times and cooperated for 50 years.
    The State Head mentioned that Mongolia considers Vietnam as a bridge of the cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed a confidence Vietnam will support Mongolia in creating the Mongolian side's participation in activities of the APEC, the East Asian Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN and in backing initiatives of Mongolia,      
    "Commercial barter between Mongolia and Vietnam has been increasing, and the bilateral collaboration has normally been running in the foods, agriculture, education, culture, health and tourism sectors, but our countries should create two-way trade turnover and enrich the ties with economic contents," Elbegdorj stressed.
    The President said he attaches a great importance to his meeting with the Vietnam's President held last month in Moscow, Russia, during the 65th anniversary of the Victory of Great Patriotic War, and that is satisfied with Vietnam's becoming a member of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) during its summit that took place in Turkey. Then he expressed his satisfaction with appointment of the Vietnamese Ambassador who fluently speaks Mongolian and knows well  Mongolian culture, custom, traditions and history.
    In his turn, H. E. Hoang Tuan Thinh said he is satisfied with becoming the Ambassador to Mongolia and underlined that Vietnamese people always thank Mongolians for rendering assistance in hard times. Mr. Hoang Tuan Thinh said he will work with great efforts to strengthen the bilateral friendly relations and to develop cooperation in the sectors mentioned by the President.
    The Vietnam's Ambassador Mr. Hoang Tuan Thinh graduated the Mongolian State University, the Mongolian University of Agriculture and the Lomonosov Moscow State University.

 FRENCH AMBASSADOR AWARDED "FRIENDSHIP" MEDAL  
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Mongolia Mr. Jean-Paul Dumont has been awarded the "Friendship" medal for his significant contribution to development of the Mongolia-France relations and cooperation. A decree about awarding as such was issued by the President Ts.Elbegdorj June 22 on occasion of the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
    Mr. Dumont graduated the Oriental Linguistics Institute in France in 1971 majoring in oriental studies, speaks English, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese and Vietnamese languages. He started his career in diplomatic service with working in the Embassy of France in Mongolia in 1971-1975. From 1975, he worked in the Departments of Treaty and Law, Consul, and Asia-Pacific Affairs in France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Dumont worked in the French Embassies and Consulates in the USA, Vietnam, Brazil, Belgium. He also represented his country to the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
    On July 2009, Mr. Dumont was appointed the Ambassador to Mongolia.

MAYOR MEETS HUNGARY'S AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY RECTOR   

    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, /MONTSAME/ Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city G.Monkhbayar met Wednesday Laszlo Solti, a professor and rector of the Hungarian University of Agriculture. At the meeting, G.Monkhbayar said that a basis has been founded to start cooperation between Ulaanbaatar city and the University of Agriculture in training specialists.
    The Mayor said the city's administration intends to train specialists in developed countries in views of realizing the city's socio-economy goals of 2010 and improving the operational capacity of the city's local administration organizations and human resources management. Mentioning about the long-year cooperation with Hungary, the Mayor underlined the city wants prepare engineers in universities and institutes of Hungary.
    In turn, Professor Solti mentioned the Hungarian Agricultural University has been cooperating with the Agricultural University of Mongolia for long years. "Our university is paying a more attention to the innovations. The two universities had spoken about brining their traditional ties into a newer step," stressed Professor Solti. He said the Hungarian university is ready to prepare and train Mongolian specialists, because the university has wide external ties and a program of international student exchange.
    By the way, cultural days of Ulaanbaatar city will run September this year in Budapest city. In addition to it, a delegation of the Hungary's capital city comprising five representatives will visit Mongolia soon.

FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT CONTINUING IN ITALY    

Paying a working visit to the Republic of Italy, the Foreign Minister of Mongolia G.Zandanshatar held an official meeting on Tuesday with his counterpart of Italy Franco Frattini.
    Underlining that the 40th anniversary of the Mongolia-Italy diplomatic relations is marked this year, the sides expressed a mutual willingness to intensify the bilateral relations. The Ministers shared views on organizing a big measure of economics in Italy with aims to introduce the European Union's standards in all spheres of Mongolia and to boost the bilateral cooperation in the sectors of trade, economy and investments. They also exchanged opinions on expanding the collaboration in the education and cultural sectors and training Mongolian administrative officials in Italy.   
    During the meeting, the Italian Foreign Minister said the State Secretary of Italy's Foreign Ministry Mrs. Stefania Craxi will visit Mongolia soon planning a bilateral political consultative meeting. He conveyed to G.Zandanshatar a greeting of Italy's President on the anniversary of the diplomatic relations and invitation for the Mongolian President to visit Italy.  
     In frames of the visit, G.Zandanshatar held a meeting with Mr. Adolfo Urso, the Vice Minister for Economic Development, to  discuss the bilateral cooperation issues in the trade, economics and investments sectors. They talked in detail about introducing  Italy's progressive and high technologies of processing agricultural products to Mongolia, developing a collaboration in the infrastructure sector, and starting cooperation in micro-credit.
           A cooperation memorandum was signed between the Foreign Investment Department of Mongolia and the Foreign Trade Commission of Italy by their leaders B.Ganzorig and U.Vattani as well.          
           The Foreign Minister G.Zandanshatar also met with L.Dini, an Italian parliamentarian and head of the Foreign Policy and Migrants' Affairs Committee. They shared views on Mongolia-Italy cooperation in politics, economics, energy, culture, education and other sectors.   
           The same day, G.Zandanshatar attended an event for propagandizing Mongolia organized by Italy-Mongolia Trade Chamber (IMTC). During this event, the IMTC granted its prize to Mr. Zandanshatar. A cooperation memorandum was established between  Mongolia's Foreign Investment Department and the IMTC as well.


 PREMIER GIVES INTERVIEW TO CHINA DAILY    

Mongolia's Prime Minister S.Batbold said Tuesday Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Mongolia early June contributed significantly to bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in solving definite matters of  economic collaboration.
           It was sounded during the interview the Premier gave to China's English language "China Daily" newspaper June 22. The daily is preparing a special issue fully dedicated to Mongolia.
           A special high-level meeting mechanism played an important role in developing comprehensive Mongolia-China cooperation, Mr. Batbold said.
           During Wen's visit paid June 1-2 the two dignitaries agreed to strengthen the cooperation in areas including mining, infrastructure, culture and education, and to increase trade volume.
           The Chinese side promised to give an assistance to proposed by Mongolia matters such as deeply processing mining and agriculture raw materials and distributing them to the Chinese and third markets, increasing logistics and transit transportation, the Premier said.  
           Batbold said the two countries have great opportunities to cooperate in manufacturing value-added products and developing connected with it infrastructure, in providing jobs, in the sector of agriculture especially in founding an enterprise that gives final products.      
           Regarding a business environment, he went on, the Mongolian government would continue its open policies and would, strictly obeying the laws, more actively support key sectors by tax and financial policies, encourage the development of enterprises who have environmentally-friendly technologies and social responsibilities and who cares for regional development.      


U.S AMBASSADOR VISITS WESTERN AIMAGS  

    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, /MONTSAME/ The U.S. Ambassador Mr. Jonathan Addleton and Public Affairs Officer Marissa Maurer visited Khovd and Bayan-Olgii aimags on June 16-18 to participate in the graduation ceremony for students of the Khovd Access Micro scholarship English Class, and visit the Access English Summer Camp in Tsengel Soum, the U.S Embassy reported Thursday.
    In Khovd province, ten students successfully completed two years of after school special English teaching classes funded by the U.S. State Department. Access students have greatly improved their English over the past two years, winning the first 8 positions in Khovd's English language Olympiads last academic year.
    The Ambassador and embassy staff also visited the Access summer camp program in Tsengel soum. This year 40 students participated in this camp. Of them, 20 students returned from last year's camp and 20 new students joined this year. In a very short time with intensive practice, these students have been able to improve their English speaking ability and learn more about American culture.
    The U.S Embassy appreciated the four Peace Corps teachers for teaching at the camp. During the visit to the west, Mr. Addleton also stayed in Altai Tavan Bogd (a site of special significance for Mongolians) and met with the Governor of the Bayan-Olgii Aimag. There, he visited several other local institutions.

BILL ON BANKING GUARANTEE TO BE AMENDED    

Wednesday's cabinet meeting discussed and backed a draft amendment to the law on issuing a guarantee for money of bank deposit. The amendment will be urgently submitted to the State Great Khural.
    Since commercial banks issued guarantee for money of bank deposit, they have distorted clauses of the relevant law for illegal purposes. Furthermore, commercial banks have slackened their crisis management and have placed their capital in other risky banks in spite of financial and paying capacities of client banks, because the state guarantees the most amount of capital of the commercial banks. These negative aspects influence badly a stability of the banking system. Those banks not having ability-to-pay or who are prone to this risk have been offering high interest to clients and accumulating big amounts of capital exceeding their ability to bear risks, with a negative effect to reducing the average level of loan interest of banking system.   
    In accordance with the current law, the state guarantee involves all the loans and the active capital like loans at certain banks, guarantee, guaranteed people and current accounts. It increases proper conditions for the credit recipients who have no ability-to-pay to avoid paying loans and take responsibilities.   
    Thus, the government considered that it is necessary to reflect additional clauses in the law to limit the capital types and size to be guaranteed by the state. Moreover, commercial banks guaranteed by the state must place a deduction that is equal to one percent of the current and account residues in the governmental special account every year, according to the amendment. It has a great importance in reducing the capital expenditure of the state in case of a difficulty emerged in the banking system.

 "BUYANT-UKHAA" CHECKPOINT ALLOWED TO PASS GMO     

The cabinet made a decision at its Wednesday meeting to allow the "Buyant-Ukhaa" checkpoint of Ulaanbaatar city to pass genetically modified organism (GMO) through the border.
    In conjunction with this decision, authorities of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the General Agency for Specialized Inspection and the General Customs Office have been ordered to control over the passing the materials according to international law and other legal documents.
    In the period 2008-2009, 26 types of enzymes, 119 kinds of plants, 83 kinds of foods, some 80 types of substances of the "E" category produced with GMO were registered worldwide. These products are being sold at the international market.
    As for Mongolia who imports over 70 per cent of medicines and foods, the country needs to fulfill the international responsibility of informing the public on useful and risky sides of the GMO and of improving the mechanism of registration and control over GMO. Thus, the government considered that the "Buyant-Ukhaa" checkpoint should be the solely point to pass GMO.

FRENCH AMBASSADOR GIVES INTERVIEW      

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Mongolia H.E.Mr. Jean Paul Dumont was awarded with the "Friendship" medal pursuant to a decree of the Mongolia's President Ts.Elbegdorj in recognition of his endeavor and merits in the development of the bilateral relations between Mongolia and France on June 22, 2010. Mr. Dumont gave an interview after he received the medal.
    Q: Mongolians know that Mr. Dumont is a man who spent years in French diplomatic service including in the field of promoting relations with Mongolia. In these days, the two countries are celebrating 45th anniversary of these relations in this year. Could you describe the circumstance in which these relations were formed up.
    A: I prefer to leave to historians and academics this question. I shall just mention that Mongolia had been admitted to the UN, the General De Gaulle was the President of the French Republic and that he wanted that France would have an independent international policy. Recognizing Mongolia was an act of an independent policy in the context of the two blocks rivalry, as well as, nowadays, Mongolia has a very independent "third neighbor" policy.
    Q: How far the Mongolia French relations grown up in the past 45 years?
    A: For 25 years Mongolia French relations have been formal, nevertheless concentrated on cultural matters. Now they cover the whole spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic and defense cooperation. Today, Mongolia is an exemplary democracy, sharing with us human rights values. Mongolia became a trustworthy international partner: the country has taken its part in world policy, our soldiers are serving together in peace-keeping forces around the world, our diplomacies are consulting each-other, and we are happy and honored to be a "third neighbor" of Mongolia. We have much cooperation agreements, in several areas, as culture, justice, economy, tourism... Our relations are now substantial, at every level.
    Q: How they need to be continued in upcoming years?
    A: International relations are always animated by a perpetual movement. The French-Mongolian consultations, last week, were a success, and we decided to hold them every year. The currently state of bilateral relations is excellent, but we have to ever want more, so we will go further in cooperation and partnership.
    Q: Could you share with us your first impression about Mongolia or your first experience when you had come for the first time in UB?
    A: I arrived for the first time by train from Beijing. We had filled the compartment with provisions. It was at the beginning of February, 1971, it was cold -first experience of a dry minus 15 C, snow was falling, sweetening the sound of loudspeakers diffusing the unit radio program over the railway station. At the Ulaanbaatar hotel, the same radio program -propaganda-, in the lobby, in my room (no switch off, only one way to stop it: unplug…that was the immediate first impression which did not prevent me from liking Mongolia. One must make difference between a regime and the people. This is why I chose to come back;
    Q: How well French people know of Mongolia or Mongolians?
    A: We have a very old relationship, since 1254 when first ambassador sent by Saint-Louis arrived in Kharkhorum. Mongolia is very popular in France, because of its glorious history; Mongolian studies are very famous in France, because of its nature, its folks. Programs on TV showing nomadic way of life are frequent. French are among the most important groups of tourists coming to Mongolia.
    Q: Is there any similar or contrasting features between Mongolian and French people?
    A: Same epicurean taste for life, food, arts, love...
    Q: Do you find anything worth to learn from Mongolians?
    A: Respect of Mother Nature. How quick they could integrate themselves in the democratic world and globalization.
    Q: What level of qualification or prerequisite one should have to enter into French Universities?
    A: Until now, the only obligation for French citizens to enter into University is to have the Baccalaureate. Mongolians have to fulfill a file and to choose three Universities in which they wish to study, and to do a French exam. After that, Embassy passes the file and exam's results to Universities, which make their choices.

MONGOLIA-BRAZIL CONSULTATIVE MEETING HELD        

The 2nd consultative meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Brazil was held Thursday in Ulaanbaatar city. The meeting was co-chaired by B.Odonjil, director of the Department of Americas, Middle East and Africa of the Mongolia's Foreign Ministry; and Francisco Mauro De Holanda, director of the Department of Asia and Pacific of the Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    At the meeting, the sides consulted issues on present situation of the Mongolia-Brazil relations and trade and economic cooperation, and shared views on international and regional matters. The countries' Ministries expressed their willingness to promote the bilateral cooperation in the spheres of mining, agriculture, education and education based on actual possibilities.
    In frames of the consultative meeting, the Ambassador of Brazil to Mongolia Clodoaldo Ugenei was received by Sh.Saikhansambuu, head of the Mongolia-Brazil parliamentary group; D.Zorigt, the Minister of Minerals and Energy; Yo.Otgonbayar, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science; B.Bolor, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Kh.Zoljargal, the Vice Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

ASIA-EUROPE EXHIBITION OPENS IN BELGIUM        

An exhibition named "A Passage to Asia" opened Friday in the Fine Art Center of Brussels, Belgium in conjunction with an approach of the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting to be held in the capital city of Belgium. The event is showing 430 exhibits of 16 countries related to Asia-Europe trade and religions.  
    Some 20 exhibits of Mongolian arts are being mounted in the exhibition. These exhibits were chosen by special experts of the exhibition's organizers from Mongolia. At the opening ceremony of the event, speeches were given by Mr. A.Battor, the Ambassador of Mongolia to Belgium and other Mongolian officials.
    It is expected that the Mongolia's President will visit this exhibition during his participation in the ASEM to run October 4-5, 2010. The exhibition will last until October 10.     

PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE HEAD MEETS AMBASSADORS      

Head of the Presidential Office D.Battulga received Thursday Mr. Chang IL, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia.
    At the meeting, the Presidential Office Head expressed his satisfaction with his meeting with the South Korea's Ambassador. They exchanged information on measures which are taken in frames of the 20th anniversary of the Mongolia-Korea diplomatic relations. In response, the Ambassador introduced to Battulga some works to open a cultural center of Seoul city and to equip the street named after Seoul in Ulaanbaatar city.
    On June 25, D.Battulga met with Mr. Satbir Singh, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India. They shared views on works that are done for the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the countries.        
    The Ambassador and the Presidential Office leader agreed with a necessity to collaborate in involving Mongolians in training and re-training in India and developing cooperation the two countries' Presidential Offices.


 INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION ARRIVES    

A delegation headed by Mrs. Meira Kumar, the Speaker of the Parliamentary Lower House (Lok Sabha) of the Republic of India arrived Sunday in Ulaanbaatar to pay an official visit to Mongolia. She has been invited by D.Demberel, the Parliament Speaker of Mongolia.
The India's parliamentary delegation was welcomed by N.Enkhbold, the Deputy Speaker of Mongolia and his spouse; V.Enkhbold, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to India; Ts.Sharavdorj, the Secretar-General of the Parliamentary Office, and other officials, in the “Chingis Khaan” international airport.
On Monday, Mrs. Kumar will be received by the Speaker D.Demberel; and the Prime Minister S.Batbold. On Tuesday, the State Head of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj will meet the India's Speaker.
The diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Republic of India were established on December 24, 1955. The Republic of India is the first non-socialist country to recognize Mongolia. The two countries issued a joint declaration in 1973 determining their general principles of the bilateral cooperation. Joint statements were issued in 1989, 2001 and 2004 as well.
The ties between the legislative bodies have been developing successfully. Mongolia's parliamentary delegations visited to India in 1964, 1975, 1980, 1987, 1996, 1998, 2002 and 2003, whereas the parliamentary delegations of the India's side visited to Mongolia in 1962, 1974, 1978, 1985, 1995 and 2001.
Parliaments of the two countries established cooperation protocols in the years 1995 and 2001. A former Speaker of Mongolia S.Tomor-Ochir took part in the international parliamentary conference held in 2003 dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the India's parliament.        


WE WANT YOU TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MONGOLIA  

"BUUZ"
The ingredients are the same as for khuushuur.
   
Directions:
Mix the flour and a little water (salt to taste) to make dough. Flatten the dough to a thickness of 2-3 mm (one way is to use a bottle if you have no rolling pin).
Cut the dough into discs, roughly 10-15 cm in diameter (you can use a cup or glass). Fill the discs with fatty minced lamb.
Put the disc of dough in your palm and form a ball by pinching the edges of the dough together, with a little opening at the top. Steam for about 20 minutes, when the meat will boil in its own juice, keeping all vitamins, minerals, trace elements etc.
You eat buuz with your fingers, and you will need between 5 and 15 balls per person if you are feeding Mongolians.

"HUUSHUUR" FRIED MEAT PASTRY
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 kg minced fatty mutton or beef
- 3.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- water to mix
Mix the filling into a firm paste.

Dough:
- 4.5 cups of flour
- 0.5 teaspoon of salt
- water to mix

Directions:
Mix the dough ingredients and kneed well. Divide into smaller pieces and roll them into cylinders about 3 cm in diameter. Cut the cylinders into 4 cm lengths.

Assembly:
Take a length of dough and press it into a circle. Roll it out until it is 8-10 cm wide. Roll more at the edges than in the middle, so the dough is slightly thinner around the edges.
Put 2.5 dessertspoons of meat mixture onto one side of your circle, leaving space around the edge. Fold the other side over, pinching the edge flat. Leave one corner open and squeeze out the air, then seal the corner.
Fold the corner over and pinch again, then work around the edge folding and pinching into a twist pattern. Repeat the process with the rest of the filling and dough pieces.

Cooking:
Heat 2 liters of cooking oil in a work, making sure the oil comes no higher than 5 cm below the top. Fry three or four pasties at a time for two minutes each side, until they are brown and the meat is cooked.
Eat with tomato ketchup or soy sauce.