Japan-Mongolia Relations

July 14 (Friday) Afternoon  
Summit meeting with President Elbegdorj
Joint press conference with President Elbegdorj
Summit meeting with Prime Minister Erdenebat
Meeting with State Great Hural Chairman Enkhbold

July 14 (Friday) Evening
Dinner reception hosted by President Elbegdorj

(1) In his opening remarks, President Elbegdorj welcomed Prime Minister Abe on his third visit to Mongolia and offered his congratulations on the victory in the Upper House election. President Elbegdorj also expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Abe's support for development in the Japan-Mongolia relationship. Prime Minister Abe commented that Japan is placing emphasis on its relationship with Mongolia and referenced his third visit to Mongolia and ninth meeting with the President as a reflection of  this. Prime Minister Abe made the following points.

1. Japan welcomes the effectuation of the Japan-Mongolia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and hopes to further strengthen ties ahead of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.   
2. This ASEM Summit Meeting is an important event marking the 20th anniversary of ASEM and offers a valuable opportunity to reconfirm the partnership between Asia and Europe under President Elbegdorj's leadership. Japan also hopes that this meeting will issue a clear statement that terrorism is absolutely unacceptable in light of the terrorist incident that took place in Bangladesh.

(2) In response, President Elbegdorj made the following comments.

1. Mongolia strongly condemns all types of terrorism and expressed his condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Bangladesh. 
2. The Strategic Partnership's action plan has been proceeding smoothly under the initiative of Prime Minister Abe. Mongolia hopes to reach an agreement on the next-stage action plan and promote cooperation in railways, coal, and industrial cluster formation. 
3. The Japan-Mongolia EPA will contribute significantly to the expansion of the bilateral relationship. A treaty on preventing double taxation is also important in order to expand the economic relationship between the two countries.   
4. Mongolia hopes to hold a wide range of events to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.  
5. Japan's ODA has contributed to the development of Mongolia and is still needed. Mongolia also intends to promote closer cooperation in the international arena, strengthen collaboration at the United Nations, and promote Japan-US-Mongolia trilateral dialogue. 
6. Mongolia hopes to move forward with the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue aimed at stabilizing Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.  

(3) In response, Prime Minister Abe made the following comments.  

1. Japan and Mongolia are important regional partners that share fundamental values. Japan intends to support autonomous developments by Mongolia as much as possible. To revitalize its economy, Mongolia needs to steadily implement further economic reforms, while also taking into account recommendations from the IMF and other international organizations, and increase the level of trust it receives from the international community.    
2. Japan is putting emphasis on defense and security cooperation. It intends to dispatch a defense attaché in early 2017 and further strengthen the relationship, including capacity-building assistance, which has taken place for three years.
3. Japan appreciates Mongolia's support for United Nations Security Council reforms and hopes to continue close collaboration. 
4. Japan welcomed the First Japan-US-Mongolia Working-Level Dialogue held in September 2015 and hopes to hold future discussions in light of the importance of multilateral strategic dialogue.    
5. North Korea's ballistic missile launch in June demonstrated progress in it's nuclear missile developments and moved the North Korean security threat to a new stage. It is important to bolster pressure to alter North Korea's behavior through strict implementation of Security Council resolutions and diplomatic efforts. Japan intends to cooperate with efforts that lead to the denuclearization of North Korea. It also appreciates Mongolia's cooperation and understanding in regard to the abductions issue. 

(4) Additionally, President Elbegdorj commented that Mongolia plans to maintain and develop its cooperative relationship with Japan following the inauguration of a new administration, and Prime Minister Abe commented that Japan wants to closely collaborate with the Government of Mongolia's new administration in order to advance the relationship between the two countries.

(1) Prime Minister Abe congratulated Prime Minister Erdenebat on his new position and commented that Japan is placing emphasis on its relationship with Mongolia and referenced his third visit to Mongolia as a reflection of this. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan hopes to closely collaborate and cooperate with Mongolia to develop the relationship between the two countries and achieve regional stability and prosperity and made the following points.

1. Japan hopes that Prime Minister Erdenebat will visit Japan as soon as possible in light of the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the starting of diplomatic relations next year. It intends to formulate a new action plan and deepen the mutually beneficial relationship at that time.
2. Japan plans to dispatch a defense attach? early next year and further strengthen the relationship, including capacity-building assistance for three years that has been proceeding smoothly. 
3. Japan welcomes the effectuation of the Japan-Mongolia EPA and intends to steadily implement the agreement and promote more comprehensive and deeper economic ties between the two countries. 
4. Japan intends to support autonomous developments by Mongolia as much as possible. To revitalize its economy, Mongolia needs to steadily implement further economic reforms, while also taking into account recommendations from the IMF and other international entities, and increase the level of trust it receives from the international community. 
5. Japan intends to promote cooperation in the areas of clean coal technology, the environment, and human resource training. 

(2) In response, Prime Minister Erdenebat offered his congratulations on the victory in the Upper House election and made the following points. 

1. Prime Minister Erdenebat expressed his gratitude for the invitation to visit Japan and plans to coordinate the schedule through diplomatic channels. 
2. Mongolia continues to focus on its relationship with Japan under the new administration and hopes to further advance the Strategic Partnership. It aims to formulate and reach agreement on a new medium-term action plan. 
3. Mongolia welcomes the effectuation of the Japan-Mongolia EPA, and its implementation is a core task for the administration. It intends to revive the Mongolian economy while receiving advice from the IMF and other international entities.   
4. Mongolia appreciates past cooperation from Japan in the areas of clean coal technology, the environment, and human resource training and plans to continue the cooperative relationship. Mongolia also hopes to obtain cooperation in the agricultural field from the standpoint of diversifying its industry.

(1) Prime Minister Abe offered his congratulations to Chairman Enkhbold on assuming the position, cited his third visit as a reflection of Japan's emphasis on Mongolia and expressed an interest in working together closely towards the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Prime Minister Abe also made the following comments.

1. Japan and Mongolia are vital regional partners that share fundamental values. I hope to significantly advance relations between the two counties by working with Chairman Enkhbold who has close ties with Japan.     
2. Japan welcomes the effectuation of the Japan-Mongolia EPA. It intends to review ways of further strengthening the relationship, including formulation of a new action plan to bolster the Strategic Partnership with Mongolia's new administration.  
3. Japan will provide a cordial welcome if Chairman Enkhbold has an opportunity to visit Japan in order to support his continued leadership in developing interaction among congressional bodies.   

(2) In response, Chairman Enkhbold offered his congratulations on the victory in the Upper House election and expressed gratitude for the congratulations regarding his new position. Chairman Enkhbold also noted a desire to further advance the Strategic Partnership with Japan and voiced his appreciation for the assistance and support from the Japanese government and people . He spoke positively about the intensive progress being made in the interaction between the congressional bodies of the two countries and the conclusion of the Japan-Mongolia EPA. Chairman Enkhbold stated Mongolia’s interest in formulating a new medium-term action plan through discussions with Japan and further developments in cooperation at the international and regional level.