Gonchigkhand Byambaa moved from Mongolia to Dublin in December 2017 after meeting her husband in her home country.

“We met in Mongolia. That time I was learning English and he was learning Mongolian. So we met through our friend and we stayed in Mongolia for three years, then I came to Ireland with him. It was actually a blessing. It was a great move for my life, I have no regrets.”

The couple now have two children, one girl (13) starting secondary school and a boy who is in junior infants in a Gaelscoil.

Shortly after making the move to Ireland, Byambaa lost her mother and father.

“I just landed and got a huge shock, a culture shock and I had to deal with my enormous losses in a different language and different culture,” she says.

“That’s why I started my activism here in Ireland, it was a way of coping.

“I realised that Mongolians did not integrate at all, they didn’t know what services were available, what their rights are. I started e-mailing NGOs [non-governmental organisations] that were working for migrants, just explaining that I’m Mongolian, I want to translate your news into Mongolian language and if possible I want to liaise the people to your services.”

The Immigrant Council of Ireland took her up on the offer. “I was one of the initiators of their We Are Here Too movement,” Byambaa says. “That campaign was highlighting migrant women who are facing domestic abuse in Ireland, raising awareness of the services that are available for migrant women and that there was more awareness needed from the State.”

Coming from a nomadic background herself, Byambaa says she was shocked by the treatment of Travellers in Ireland. She recalls learning about their shared culture. “We are quite amazingly connected by a nomadism. That’s how I really started to learn about Irish culture,” she says.

Struck by the contents of a documentary featuring Senator Eileen Flynn, the first Traveller woman in the Oireachtas, Byambaa decided to work with the Southside Travellers Action Group.

“I watched a documentary. Senator Eileen Flynn, she was talking about how the Irish Travellers are being treated. That hit me very hard. I couldn’t believe that the Irish government could discriminate [against] their own indigenous people that harshly because [the] Irish government put up a very nice image in the international community that they’re defenders of human rights,” Byambaa says.

Having studied social science as an undergraduate in Mongolia, Byambaa has fully immersed herself in community activism since moving to Ireland. She is currently working towards gaining a master’s in community and youth work at Maynooth University.

As the festival ambassador for Dublin Lunar New Year 2025, Byambaa has been busy preparing in advance of January 25th, when the celebrations kick off.

“We have many different events, including stand up comedy, film screenings, live performance and cooking and other workshops. As the Asian community, it’s a great opportunity to learn from each other,” she says.

The festival will culminate in a flagship event at Meeting House Square on February 2nd, with dance performances, street food markets and the opportunity to play some traditional Lunar New Year games.

I had no expectations of Ireland because the first I learned that Ireland existed [was] from my boyfriend

“In Mongolia, this year is going to be the year of the snake,” says Byambaa, “Snake represents kindness, beauty, and most importantly prosperity for everyone.

“We are basically asking for forgiveness and kindness from mother nature for the coming months. For the nomadic people, we are welcoming baby animals ... We take time to appreciate what we have … it’s the most sacred time and everyone celebrates it.”

Despite coming to Ireland with “no expectations”, Byambaa says she has been taken aback by “the friendliness and warmth of Irish people”.

“Here is really friendly. The friendliness and the warmth of Irish people is different. The friendliness is a huge contrast from my culture. We are quite a neutral-faced people, we don’t really express our emotion. So in Ireland, people smile a lot and say hello to each other, it’s these kind of small things that many people have taken for granted. It’s actually really nice for migrants like me,” she says.

“I had no expectations of Ireland because the first I learned that Ireland existed [was] from my boyfriend, now my husband. He [told me] that there was a country called Ireland, it’s a beautiful country,” she says. “So I healed my broken heart with the Irish beautiful, magical forest. I walked a lot and I met Irish people.”

Although challenging, Byambaa says she found living through the Covid lockdowns in Ireland to be a largely positive experience compared to that of her friends and family in Mongolia. “My experience being locked down in Dublin, and my sister’s experience in lockdown in Mongolia was like a completely different world,” she says.

“The government did not fearmonger too much, like in Mongolia … It wasn’t like there was a military helicopter following everyone. In Mongolia, it was totally locked down. There was no walking space anyway because the city is not planned well, so people went crazy and outside the apartments in Mongolia there was police officers and military tanks.”

Another “cultural shock” for Byambaa was “the greenness all the time” in Ireland, “because Mongolia has four really different seasons”. “I couldn’t believe that it was green all the time,” she says.

Byambaa says she has already visited every county in Ireland, with the exception of Donegal. “When we got engaged here in Ireland, our honeymoon was to travel the counties by train,” she says.

“It’s a very small country, and each county has their own unique beauty.”

The Standing Committee on Industrialization Policy and Standing Committee on Environment, Food, and Agriculture of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia held a joint meeting on January 14, 2025, to discuss the Government presentation on the current status and trends of industrial water supply and water use.

‘Water utilization in Mongolia was 594.8 million m3/year in 2021, 606.2 million m3/year in 2022, 679.1 million m3/year in 2023, and 618 million m3/year according to the preliminary report for 2024. The water utilization in the agricultural sector accounted for 48.6 percent, the mining sector for 26.1 percent, while water use for drinking and domestic purposes made up 14.5 percent, the energy sector used 5.8 percent, and the industrial and services sector accounted for 5.0 percent," stated State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Battulga Erkhembayar

The revenue from water and spring resource use fee generated MNT 48.1 billion in 2021, MNT 50.9 billion in 2022, MNT 85 billion in 2023, and MNT 74.3 billion as of November 30, 2024. In addition, the revenue from natural resource use fee, in other words, fee for utilization of land, water, forest, wildlife, and plant resources, which is collected to the aimag and soum budget, totaled MNT 882 billion in 2020-2023.

In 2021, the rate of water resource use fees for mineral extraction, copper concentrate, fluoride enrichment, and the production of alcohol, beer, and alcoholic beverages was increased from 10 percent to 25 percent for surface water, and from 20 percent to 35 percent for groundwater.

However, the water fee can be reduced by 50 percent if water is softened or mineralized for drinking and domestic purposes, and the fee can be fully exempted, when the water is used for wildlife protection, wild animal breeding, and resettlement, as well as when water from snow, rain, and flood is collected and used for livestock farm and agricultural purposes.

In 2023, MNT 54.3 billion was budgeted for environment protection and natural resource restoration measures, and MNT 41.2 billion was spent, according to the performance report.

In his presentation, the State Secretary highlighted the need to implement comprehensive management measures, such as introducing new and advanced technologies for water conservation in the South Gobi region, where mining production is growing rapidly, reusing rainwater and treated domestic water, and changing the flow regime of some major rivers to accumulate and use. He emphasized the need to improve inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to meet the ever-increasing demand for water.

After the presentations, members of the Standing Committees expressed opinions and put suggestions, including improving water protection, raising the water use fees for industrial purposes to an appropriate level, making the fee reduction and exemptions to businesses that recycle water by building treatment facilities more effective, improving the legal and regulatory framework for water reuse, ending the use of natural clean water in production and agriculture, and intensifying the implementation of the Kherlen-Toonot and Orkhon-Ongi projects.

On January 17 2025, Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai attended the signing ceremony of the Investment Agreement to collaborate on a uranium project between the Government of Mongolia and the "Orano Mining" company of the French Republic and delivered remarks. We present the full speech of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene.

Dear Mongolians,

Dear International Investors,

Today, Mongolia is signing an Investment Agreement with France on cooperation in a uranium project. This agreement is of historic significance as it is the second major investment agreement Mongolia has signed with a third neighbor.

There is a saying, "A Mongolian Yes is a Pledge." While it is not easy to make a deal through open debate with the Parliament, once a deal is made, it is legally stable. The Government of Mongolia will strictly adhere to the Investment Agreement and Intergovernmental Agreement approved by the State Great Khural.

Witnessing this historic moment, the honorable members and officials of the State Great Khural and Government of Mongolia, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Mongolia Corinne Pereira, CEO of “Orano” Group Nicolas Maes, I would like to express my gratitude to you all and congratulate you on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and France, which is marked this year.

I would like to emphasize that the Republic of France is our “third neighbor” and a close and reliable partner in Europe. On behalf of the Government, I would like to express my gratitude to President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Chairman of the State Great Khural Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve, the members of Parliament who openly discussed and approved the investment agreement at the sessions of the State Great Khural, the leaders of the political parties in Parliament, the Working Group of the Government, and academics in the field.

As part of the systemic reform for implementing the long-term development policy of Mongolia “Vision-2050,” Mongolia transitioned to a mixed electoral system with the amendments to the Constitution in 2023. As a result of the 2024 parliamentary elections, a Joint Government was formed and proposed the “Courage for Rapid Development” Program, announcing the implementation of 14 mega projects that had been stalled for many years due to political reasons.

The Joint Government has managed to launch its third mega project today. In terms of its socio-economic importance, I believe this project will give countries confidence in Mongolia’s investment environment and will be the starting point for an important revival of foreign direct investment, particularly investment into clean energy. We are taking an important step towards fulfilling the obligations and commitments to the United Nations and the international community under the 2015 Paris Agreement on combating climate change. As part of this project, 68.9 thousand tons of uranium, the main raw material for green energy, nuclear energy, will be produced, reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9 billion tons, compared to traditional coal-fueled power plants.

I would like to note that Mongolia is putting its natural resources into economic circulation towards the production of clean energy. The implementation of this project will bring about USD 5 billion in revenue to the Mongolian people, and USD 44 million will be directly transferred to the rural development fund to support rural communities and finance their education, health, and social development.

The project is unique in that the revenue from the project will be directly collected in the savings accounts of citizens in the Savings Fund of the “National Wealth Fund” from the moment the project is launched in accordance with the Law on the National Wealth Fund, without waiting for dividends. This Investment Agreement proves to countries that the Law on the National Wealth Fund does not restrict investors but rather provides a legal environment that ensures citizens’ participation and support for large projects through holding mutually beneficial deals.

The parties have agreed to follow international standards based on the good practices of Kazakhstan in project implementation, and I would like to remind the investor that the Mongolian people and civil society organizations require all obligations under the agreement to be strictly fulfilled, including environmental protection, rehabilitation, and quality standards. I also hope that new uranium mining technologies and know-how that meet French and European Union standards will be introduced to Mongolia, new types of factories be built, 1,600 highly qualified specialists trained, and a skilled human resource formed from Mongolian citizens, as reflected in the agreement

As the country with the fastest growing economy since COVID, Mongolia is ready to work with governments, investors, and wealth funds from all over the world to develop mutually beneficial investment cooperation in mineral resources, clean energy production, agriculture, tourism, transport logistics, and infrastructure. May Mongolia prosper under the eternal blue sky."

Pope Francis has praised the “profound religious renewal” that has taken place in Mongolia since the 1990s.

In a meeting on Monday with a delegation of Mongolian Buddhists, Pope Francis said that the country has “reclaimed” its “rich religious heritage” by “reviving traditional spiritual practices and integrating them into the nation’s development”.

From 1921 until the late 1980s, Mongolia was a one-party state with close ties to the Soviet Union, and religion was violently repressed. Buddhism was the main target of the repression, being by far the largest religion in the country, which is also home to small numbers of Muslims, shamanists, and Christians.

Holy See-Mongolia relations

The Pope said that the meeting – the first to be held in the Vatican between a Mongolian Buddhist delegation and a Pope – was of “particular significance”, and reflected the “friendly and enduring relations” between the Holy See and the “noble people of Mongolia”.

The Buddhist delegation was accompanied by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar.

In September, Pope Francis visited Mongolia, becoming the first Pope ever to do so.

The Jubilee Year

Pope Francis also noted that the Buddhists’ visit comes amid the Church’s 2025 Holy Year, a time of “pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope”.

“In a time marked by natural disasters and human conflicts,” the Pope said, “this Holy Year calls us to the shared goal of building a more peaceful world.”

He also emphasised that religious leaders, each rooted in their own teachings, bear a collective responsibility to “renounce violence and embrace a culture of peace.”

In this regard, the Pope praised the Buddhists’ “commitment to religious freedom and dialogue”, saying that such “fraternal solidarity” enriches Mongolian society just as its increasing material prosperity does.

Visit to Rome

The Pope brought his address to a conclusion by saying that he hoped that the Buddhists’ stay in Rome would be “enjoyable and enriching”.

He encouraged his guests to “preserve in fostering … dialogue, fraternity, religious freedom, justice and social harmony”, and to continue strengthening their relations with the Catholic Church in Mongola, “for the sake of the peace and wellbeing of all”.

“Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership marks 55 years of diplomatic ties, aligning Mongolia’s ‘Vision 2050’ with Türkiye’s ‘Century of Türkiye’.”

As we embark on a new chapter in international relations, we are witnessing the dawn of a transformative era in Mongolia-Türkiye relations. The establishment of a Strategic Partnership between these two nations marks a significant milestone, celebrating 55 years of diplomatic ties and paving the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. This historic development not only strengthens the bonds between Mongolia and Türkiye but also sets the stage for a future of shared prosperity and cultural exchange.

The Genesis of a Strategic Partnership

The foundation of this strategic partnership was laid during the momentous State Visit of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to Türkiye from January 15-19, 2025. This visit, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was not just a ceremonial affair but a concrete step towards deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.

During this historic visit, both leaders engaged in extensive talks, culminating in the signing of a “Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership.” This declaration, along with over ten cooperation documents, encompasses a wide range of areas including:

Environmental protection

Infrastructure development

Youth and sports

Education

Health

The significance of this partnership lies in its comprehensive approach to collaboration, touching upon key aspects of national development and global challenges.

Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership

Aligning National Visions for Mutual Growth

A key aspect of this strategic partnership is the alignment of Mongolia’s “Vision 2050” with Türkiye’s “Century of Türkiye.” This synchronization of national goals is set to catalyze growth and development in both countries. The focus areas include:

Boosting investment

Enhancing exports

Developing free trade zones

Critical infrastructure projects

One of the flagship projects under this partnership is the development of “New Kharkhorum” city and the Orkhon Valley tourism complex. These initiatives not only promise economic benefits but also aim to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of both nations.

Tackling Global Challenges Together

In an era where global challenges require global solutions, Mongolia and Türkiye have committed to addressing pressing issues such as climate change and food insecurity. A prime example of this collaboration is Mongolia’s “Billion Trees” National Movement, which aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

To further this commitment, both countries have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement focusing on forestry. This agreement is a testament to their shared vision of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Health and Social Security Initiatives

The strategic partnership also extends to crucial areas of health and social security. The “Healthy Mongolian” initiative, aimed at reducing cancer incidence and creating a National Center for Cancer Treatment, is a prime example of how this collaboration can have a direct impact on the well-being of citizens.

These health initiatives are complemented by efforts to enhance disaster response capacities in both countries. By sharing knowledge and resources in disaster risk management, Mongolia and Türkiye are better equipped to protect their populations from natural calamities.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

A cornerstone of the Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership is the commitment to honor and preserve the historical and cultural connections between the two nations. This commitment is manifested in cooperative efforts to safeguard ruins and sites of cultural significance, including:

Turkic artifacts in Orkhon Valley

Sites from the Ilkhaan period in Türkiye

These preservation efforts not only protect invaluable historical treasures but also serve as a bridge between the past and the future, strengthening the cultural bonds between Mongolia and Türkiye.

“Mongolia’s ‘Billion Trees’ National Movement collaborates with Türkiye to address climate change and food insecurity challenges.”

Economic Collaboration and Business Forum

The economic dimension of this strategic partnership was prominently showcased during the “Mongolia-Türkiye Business Forum” held in Istanbul. This forum brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders from both countries, highlighting the strong entrepreneurial spirit and the mutual desire to foster economic cooperation.

President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of elevating trade relations, noting that while current trade volumes have surpassed initial targets, there is still significant potential for growth. This forum served as a platform for businesses to explore new opportunities and forge partnerships across various sectors.

Mongolia-Türkiye Economic Collaboration

Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connections

The strategic partnership between Mongolia and Türkiye extends beyond economic and political spheres, placing significant emphasis on cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. During the State Visit, a performance by Mongolia’s Morin Khuur Orchestra in Türkiye served as a powerful symbol of the rich cultural heritage that both nations bring to this partnership.

Educational exchanges are also a key component of this cultural collaboration. By facilitating student and academic exchanges, both countries are investing in the future, fostering mutual understanding, and building lasting relationships between their peoples.

Regional and Global Cooperation

The strategic partnership between Mongolia and Türkiye also has implications for regional and global cooperation. Both nations have expressed their commitment to united efforts within frameworks like the United Nations to address global challenges. This alignment in international forums strengthens their collective voice on the world stage and contributes to global peace and stability.

Furthermore, the partnership opens up new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as:

Agriculture

Renewable energy

Technology transfer

Educational exchanges

These collaborative efforts not only benefit Mongolia and Türkiye but also contribute to the broader development and stability of their respective regions.

Infrastructure and Transportation Development

A key focus of the Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership is the development of infrastructure and transportation networks. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity not only within each country but also between the two nations and their respective regions.

Major projects under consideration include:

Modernization of transport corridors

Development of logistics hubs

Expansion of air connectivity

These initiatives are crucial for facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Mongolia and Türkiye.

Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security

Agriculture plays a vital role in both Mongolian and Turkish economies. The strategic partnership recognizes this importance and aims to enhance cooperation in this sector. Key areas of collaboration include:

Exchange of agricultural technologies

Joint research in crop and livestock management

Cooperation in food processing and storage

This agricultural cooperation not only aims to boost productivity in both countries but also contributes to regional food security.

In this context, innovative agricultural technologies play a crucial role. For instance, Farmonaut, a leading agricultural technology company, offers advanced satellite-based farm management solutions that could potentially benefit farmers in both Mongolia and Türkiye. Their platform provides valuable services such as real-time crop health monitoring and AI-based advisory systems, which align well with the agricultural development goals of this strategic partnership.

Technology and Innovation Exchange

The Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation exchange. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both nations in various technological domains, including:

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Renewable energy technologies

Smart city solutions

E-governance initiatives

By sharing expertise and resources in these areas, both countries can accelerate their technological advancement and digital transformation efforts.

Comparative Analysis of Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership

Aspect Mongolia Türkiye

National Vision Vision 2050 Century of Türkiye

Economic Cooperation Aim to increase bilateral trade volume significantly

Environmental Initiatives Billion Trees Movement Support for Mongolia’s environmental programs

Cultural Exchange Programs Morin Khuur Orchestra performances Educational exchanges and cultural events

Infrastructure Projects New Kharkhorum city development Support for Orkhon Valley tourism complex

Technology and Innovation Collaboration in ICT, renewable energy, and smart city solutions

Agricultural Development Focus on livestock management Expertise in crop production and processing

Future Prospects and Expectations

The Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership holds immense potential for the future. Both leaders have expressed optimism that the decisions made during the State Visit will significantly contribute to the prosperity and well-being of their respective nations. The partnership is expected to:

Boost bilateral trade and investment

Enhance cultural and educational exchanges

Strengthen cooperation in global forums

Foster innovation and technological advancement

As this partnership evolves, it is likely to create new opportunities for businesses, researchers, and citizens of both countries, fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration between Mongolia and Türkiye.

Conclusion

The Mongolia-Türkiye Strategic Partnership marks a new era in the relationship between these two nations. Built on a foundation of 55 years of diplomatic ties, this partnership promises to usher in a period of unprecedented cooperation and mutual growth. From economic collaboration to cultural exchange, from addressing global challenges to preserving shared heritage, this partnership encompasses a wide spectrum of areas that will shape the future of both countries.

As we look to the future, the potential for innovation and development in various sectors, including agriculture, is immense. Companies like Farmonaut, with their advanced agricultural technologies, could play a significant role in realizing the agricultural goals of this partnership. Their satellite-based solutions and AI-driven insights align well with the modernization efforts in both countries’ agricultural sectors.

The invitation extended by President Khurelsukh to President Erdoğan to visit Mongolia symbolizes the commitment to nurturing this friendship and ensuring lasting cooperation for future generations. As this strategic partnership unfolds, it not only strengthens the bonds between Mongolia and Türkiye but also contributes to regional stability and global progress.

Vietnam is actively fostering bilateral tourism cooperation with Mongolia by expanding direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

These efforts aim not only to facilitate two-way trade and tourism but also to tap into the potential of high-spending Mongolian tourists with long stays, particularly at renowned beach destinations like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

A potential market

Batjargal Munkhmandakh, who recently took a long holiday in Vietnam, said Vietnam, rich in cultural heritage, is a significant source of inspiration for Mongolians. Other factors attracting tourists to the Southeast Asian nation include convenient visa regulations, affordable prices, and family-oriented resorts and services that cater to both short visits and relaxing holidays.

With the support of travel company Adavigo, Munkhmandakh travelled the length and breadth of Vietnam in an attempt to discover the country’s land, people and culture.

“I have had the opportunity to travel to more than 20 countries and over 100 cities worldwide. Vietnam’s tourism has flourished in recent years, offering diverse experiences in places like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and Phu Quoc. Particularly, Phu Quoc Island has become a popular destination for Mongolian tourists over the past few years. Each destination offers unique experiences that stimulate the senses and deepen the understanding of the rich cultural heritage of each region,” said the tourist.

As of November 2024, approximately 25,000 Mongolian tourists visited Vietnam, close to the 26,000 visitors recorded for the entire year of 2023. Notably, December 2024 marked several milestones in tourism cooperation between Mongolia and Vietnam, including the inauguration of first commercial flights from Ulaanbaatar to Ho Chi Minh City and direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mongolia Nguyen Tuan Thanh stated that the direct flights act as "bridges" connecting the two nations, thereby fostering the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Mongolia.

These routes not only reduce geographical distance and travel time but also facilitate trade and tourism activities, as well as cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges, said the diplomat.

The Ulaanbaatar–Ho Chi Minh City and Ulaanbaatar–Phu Quoc flights are currently operating at a frequency of 2 to 3 flights per week, while the Ulaanbaatar–Nha Trang route operates once a week. In addition, the Ulaanbaatar–Hanoi route is planned to meet the growing demand of tourists from both nations. These flights have enabled many hotels and tourism businesses to welcome Mongolian tourists with high spending power, who typically stay for extended periods ranging from 7 to 14 days in destinations like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang.

“Mongolian tourists are fond of the sea and relaxation, have shopping needs, and are willing to spend. They often travel in multi-generational family groups. Recognizing these preferences, hotels like Melia Vinpearl Phu Quoc and Melia Vinpearl Nha Trang Empire have recently welcomed numerous Mongolian holidaymakers. The high spending and extended stays of this tourist segment significantly contribute to hotel revenue and local tourism services. This market holds great potential for the tourism industry in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Vietnam as a whole,” said Nguyen Van Phong, regional sales director of Melia Vinpearl, in a recent interview granted to VOV.VN.

Munkhmandakh revealed that over 15% of Mongolia’s population prefers outbound tours that align well with Vietnam’s tourism development vision.

“Vietnam and Mongolia share long-standing diplomatic relations, and they are expected to grow stronger through bilateral cooperation. I believe this cooperation will be further enhanced through tourism exchanges between the two countries,” she said.

According to the Embassy of Vietnam in Mongolia and various businesses, Vietnamese destinations are becoming increasingly popular among Mongolian tourists. Mongolian travel partners regard Ho Chi Minh City as one of Asia’s leading hubs for economy, tourism, and industry, while Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are recognized as renowned tourist cities in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s rapidly advancing tourism industry is regarded as an appealing destination, often referred to as a ‘super destination’ in Southeast Asia, a favorite among Mongolian tourists. The opening of direct flights is expected to significantly boost economic and tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Mongolia.

In recent years, the Embassy has actively promoted Vietnam’s tourism, its landscapes, culture, and heritage through various initiatives. These include participating in tourism and culinary fairs, organizing exhibitions of paintings and photographs about Vietnam, and showcasing promotional videos during significant embassy-organized events such as National Day celebrations and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mongolia.

To sustain direct flight routes and facilitate tourism and trade, Ambassador Thanh has met with ambassadors of Russia and India to explore passenger flow from Russia through Mongolia to Vietnam and from India through Vietnam to Mongolia. These efforts have received positive responses from the Russian and Indian ambassadors.

“The Embassy has hosted trilateral discussions with the Indian ambassador and Aero Mongolia airlines. It has also facilitated partnerships between Mongolian airlines like MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Aero Mongolia and Vietnamese airlines to share passenger flows and maintain direct flights between the two countries,” said the ambassador.

He also added that the Embassy has played an active role in supporting the signing of a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports between Vietnam and Mongolia that was effective in March 2024. It has actively connected and supported Vietnamese and Mongolian businesses, including many travel companies, in negotiating and signing agreements for bilateral tourist exchanges.

Mongolia welcomed 727,400 foreign tourists in 2024, a record high for the country's tourism sector, local media reported on Saturday, citing the National Statistics Office (NSO).

In addition to the record number of visitors, Mongolia generated 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from tourism in 2024, setting another all-time high, according to the NSO.

Tourism is regarded as a key sector in Mongolia's efforts to diversify its economy, which has traditionally depended on the export-oriented mining industry.

As part of this strategy, the government has declared 2023-2028 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia," aiming to attract at least 1 million foreign tourists annually.

In 2023, Mongolia hosted over 650,000 foreign visitors and earned 1.2 billion dollars in tourism revenue, both of which were records at the time.

At the meeting of the Standing Committee on Economics of the State Great Khural of Mongolia on January 15, 2025, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Tuvaan Tsevegdorj presented a report on informing local people about the issuance of mineral exploration licenses, the benefits of the mining sector, as well as the ongoing efforts to enhance the value of mineral products and the operations of the mining exchange.

Minister Tuvaan Tsevegdorj provided an overview of the operations of the mining exchange. The Law on Mining Exchange came into effect on June 30, 2023. With its implementation, a total of 14.9 million tons of coal and 604.8 thousand tons of iron concentrate were traded through the Mongolian Stock Exchange in 2023, generating a total revenue of USD 2.1 billion and an additional revenue of USD 155.3 million due to price increases. In 2024, a total of 859 transactions took place, trading 36.7 million tons of coal, 2.9 million tons of iron ore and concentrate, 17.6 thousand tons of fluorspar, and 6 thousand tons of copper concentrate, generating a total revenue of MNT 16.26 trillion.

Additionally, Minister Tuvaan informed on the issuance of mineral exploration licenses. According to the 1994 Minerals Law, exploration licenses were initially granted by application, then in 1997-2006, to individuals and legal entities also through application. Since 2006, licenses have been awarded through both competitive bidding and application, and from 2014, through application and competitive bidding. The 2017 Amendment to the Law stipulated that exploration licenses could only be granted through competitive bidding on areas designated by the government. In 2010, the Law on Prohibiting the Issuance of Exploration Licenses was adopted, resulting in no licenses being issued between 2010 and 2014.

Following the enforcement of the revised Law, competitive bidding for exploration licenses was incorporated into the Minerals Law. In accordance with the amendments, the selection procedure was approved, with exploration licenses being issued until April 2024. As of 2024, 74 percent of Mongolia’s territory was off-limits for exploration and exploitation. The Government of Mongolia designated 8.4 million hectares, and in 2023, 8.6 million hectares, totaling 17 million hectares, as available for exploration. As of December 16, 2024, there are 2,726 valid licenses, of which 981 are exploration licenses and 1,632 are exploitation licenses, covering 4.38 percent of the country’s territory. Between 2018 and 2024, 533 exploration licenses were granted through competitive bidding, contributing MNT 177 billion to the State Budget.