UK and Mongolia Strengthen Partnership Through Inaugural Political Dialogue
The inaugural UK-Mongolia political dialogue on February 26, 2025, in London addressed key themes of sovereignty, international law, and partnership. The dialogue included discussions on economic growth, climate action, gender equality, and responsible mining. Both countries reaffirmed their commitments to collaboration in these areas, emphasizing shared values and cooperative frameworks to enhance bilateral relations.
On February 26, 2025, London hosted the inaugural annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity. British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, conducted discussions with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan, reaffirming the robust partnership based on shared democratic values and a developing economic relationship.
During this dialogue, both parties acknowledged escalating geopolitical tensions and their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, advocating against any actions that would infringe upon territorial integrity and political independence. They pledged to remain vigilant in upholding international law and promoting their shared values.
The Ministers committed to enhancing trade and investment to foster economic growth between the UK and Mongolia, including discussions involving UK Export Finance on potential support for Ulaanbaatar’s metro system construction. They aimed to remove trade barriers and facilitate a stable business environment to encourage investments.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, the Ministers affirmed their commitment towards achieving both countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). They welcomed recent funding from the NDC Partnership, which included UK support, and discussed fostering public-private partnerships for climate-focused investments, while preparing for Mongolia’s hosting of COP17 on Desertification in 2026.
Reinforcing their dedication to gender equality, both Ministers endorsed initiatives to increase women’s parliamentary representation, acknowledging Mongolia’s target of 40% female candidates by 2028. Minister West recognized the UK’s significant female representation following the 2024 elections, and both nations committed to cooperation leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The Ministers agreed on the imperative of responsible mining practices to preserve Mongolia’s environmental legacy while capitalizing on its mineral wealth. They underscored the importance of high environmental, social, and governance standards and affirmed their cooperation under the critical minerals framework.
Highlighting robust people-to-people connections, the dialogue acknowledged various educational exchanges, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Mongolian presidential initiative, “Mission 2100.” Minister West reaffirmed support for English language education in Mongolia, and they committed to expanding higher education opportunities and cultural cooperation.
The importance of civil society in democratic engagement was recognized, with both Ministers pledging to involve various organizations in strengthening democratic discourse. Following the roundtable, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan and Minister Gareth Thomas held a constructive bilateral meeting, discussing trade and economic collaboration.
In summary, the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue underscored commitments to sovereignty, international law, and nurturing economic ties. The discussions traversed vital areas including climate change, gender equality, responsible mining, educational exchanges, and civil society engagement. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive partnership that aims to foster mutual growth and uphold shared democratic values.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com