AKIPRESS.COM - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh, who is on an official visit to Australia, held official negotiations with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia Penny Wong on September 13.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Australia in 2022, Foreign Ministers assessed the current state of relations and cooperation between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction with the active expansion and development of cooperation in the political, defense, mining, educational and humanitarian spheres, strengthening ties between people as part of expanded partnership over the past 50 years.

The parties recognized the need to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive partnership by developing relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Australia. The ministers agreed to increase the frequency of high- and senior-level visits and political dialogue between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh highlighted the vast opportunities for developing trade, investment and economic ties while expanding cooperation in the fields of agriculture, culture and tourism between Mongolia and Australia. In addition, she expressed Mongolia's intention to conclude agreements on air transport and social protection as part of strengthening the legal framework.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed confidence that the official visit of the Mongolian Foreign Minister to Australia will play a vital role in further developing relations and cooperation between the two countries. She also expressed satisfaction that relations between Mongolia and Australia are deepening within the framework of the UN and other international organizations. Penny Wong noted Australia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Mongolia in various areas, including gender equality and climate change.

The parties emphasized that the Australia Awards scholarship makes a contribution to the socio-economic development of Mongolia and building the capacity of its human resources. Foreign Ministers also noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Australian Awards Program in Mongolia, which has awarded scholarships to more than 700 Mongolians. The parties have agreed to increase the number of recipients starting this year. Noting the successful implementation of the Work and Travel Visa Programme, the Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding the visa program to include more citizens of both countries.

The Mongolian side expressed gratitude to the Australian side for providing AU$250,000 as humanitarian assistance in response to the adverse humanitarian situation caused by severe flooding in Mongolia. Australia sent its assistance through the Mongolian Red Cross Society.

During the official visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia to Australia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Mongolia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Both sides consider the Memorandum of Cooperation important for mutual consultations on international and regional issues, exchange and involvement of diplomats from Mongolia and Australia in training, as well as expanding cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DFAT.

Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh met with Mongolian students studying in Australia on Australia Awards scholarships.