In late February of this year, Mongolian foreign minister invited about 40 female foreign ministers to attend a meeting in Ulaanbaatar from 29-30 June. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was also invited. However, North Korea has yet to respond to whether Choe will attend the meeting, according to people familiar with the matter.

The meeting will celebrate the growing role of women in Mongolia’s foreign policy circles. The Conference of Female Foreign Ministers began to be organized as a more formal meeting since 2018. In September 2018, Canadian and the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy organized the world’s first meeting of female foreign ministers in Montreal, attended by representatives from 17 countries.

In 1998, Mongolia appointed a woman as foreign minister for the first time. Since then, Mongolia has had three female foreign ministers, including B.Battsetseg. In 2001, Mongolia appointed its first female ambassador and sent her to Belgium.

Choe Son Hui became North Korea’s first female foreign minister on June 11, 2022. In 2017, South Korea had appointed its first female foreign minister, Kang Kyung-hwa.

(source: Diplomat)

Both Kazakhstan and Mongolia have long published maps showing their national territories extending into Russia, Aleksey Baliyev says; but now the two countries appear set on developing new rail links that could undermine the Trans-Siberian railway and even subvert Russian control of the Altai, an important source of Russia’s mineral wealth.

Since 2003, the two Central Asian countries have had an international coordinating council called “Our Common Home – the Altai” but it has engaged primarily in promoting tourism and cooperation in the scholarly investigation of the region adjoining the two countries.

But recently Astana and Ulan Bator held a joint conference of this group which suggested the two countries have a larger agenda that could involve the development of a new transport route and that this is not some pie-in-the-sky plan but a project that appears to have the support of China.

Not surprisingly, this has set off alarm bells in the Russian capital because Kazakhstan, Mongolia and possibly China now appear committed to a project that will affect Russian territory and to do so on their own without any involvement of their Russian partners who expect to be consulted by such “partners.”

The latest example of this concern is a lengthy article by Moscow commentator Aleksey Baliyev for the portal directed at the military-industrial sector of the Russian economy, one that has key interests in the mines of the Altai region and republic in the Russian Federation.

According to Baliyev, Kazakhstan and Mongolia want to build a rail route through the Russian Altai to connect their two countries more directly than now. At present, they have to send goods north into the Russian interior and then have those goods shipped back along another track to their destination.

Such a route, which the Russian commentator says China likely supports, would have a negative impact on Russian railways and could have the effect of allowing the three countries involved to trade bypassing Russia and thus escaping sanctions problems.

“It isn’t hard to understand that if this route is built, it will de facto become a southern duplicate of the West Siberian sector of the Trans-Siberian” and even become the basis of Kazakhstan or Mongolian claims to Russian territory. After all, Baliyev says, some Kazakhs are already pushing to rename portions of Eastern Kazakhstan the Altyn Altai.

BY Paul Goble

Paul Goble is a longtime specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia. Most recently, he was director of research and publications at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Earlier, he served as vice dean for the social sciences and humanities at Audentes University in Tallinn and a senior research associate at the EuroCollege of the University of Tartu in Estonia. He has served in various capacities in the U.S. State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency and the International Broadcasting Bureau as well as at the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Mr. Goble maintains the Window on Eurasia blog and can be contacted directly at paul.goble@gmail.com .

Upon the official talks of the Presidents of Mongolia and France at the State Palace and exchange of views on relations and cooperation between the two countries, the Presidents briefed the media. We present the full transcript of President U. Khurelsukh’s speech:

"Honorable President Emmanuel Macron,

Dear Press representatives,

Good evening to all of you.

I have held official talks with President of France Emmanuel Macron, who is on a State Visit to Mongolia. It is concluded that the official talks have been highly significant and effective. Mongolia considers France as our third neighbor and a close and trusted partner in Europe. Our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1965, but the historical relationship between Mongolia and France dates back to the 13th century. For example, in 1253, Rubruk, a messenger who was appointed by the order of King Louis IX of France, came to Kharkhorum of the Mongol Empire to meet the great Khaan. His notes on the travels through the Mongol Empire are famous worldwide. A silver tree made by French artist Wilhelm Bouchied in the royal palace of Kharkhorum city was mentioned in the notes, which proves that the relationship between our two countries has a long history.

France has consistently supported our country since our applying for membership in the United Nations and recognized Mongolia's independence. France is one of the countries that has supported in all respects the democratic changes and reforms that have taken place in our country since the 1990s. The state visit of President of France Emmanuel Macron to Mongolia is historic, for being the first visit of Head of State of France in the history of relations and cooperation between our two countries.

Honorable President, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you on behalf of the people of Mongolia.

During the official talks, we engaged in a thorough exchange of views on the bilateral relations and cooperation between Mongolia and France, as well as pressing issues of international relations. We earnestly conveyed our firm commitment to diligently collaborate in fostering global peace and security.

Furthermore, we discussed advancing the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries, with the overarching objective of attaining a strategic partnership. Within the framework of Mongolia's partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union, augmenting trade and economic collaboration with France, fostering increased investment, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation are recognized as pivotal strategies and objectives of our country's foreign policy.

During the meeting and talks, the Heads of State affirmed to jointly implement mutually beneficial and strategic projects, which symbolize the relations between the two countries, and further expand the relations in agriculture, energy, environment, health, disaster management, culture, education, communication and science sectors.

Within the framework of fulfilling the commitment under Paris Agreement to combat climate change the two sides agreed to cooperate in renewable energy and nuclear energy fields. We also agreed on the joint realization of Mongolia's national satellite program in conjunction with France.

We have reached an agreement to cooperate by synergizing the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign, which was initiated by the President of Mongolia, with the aim of addressing climate change and mitigating the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions and French initiatives put forth by the President of France during the One Forest Summit.

In accordance with the overarching goal of "Food Supply and Security," a mutual agreement has been reached to provide substantial backing to foster export oriented production of food and agricultural products. Additionally, concerted efforts will be made to prepare professionals in the domains of intensive animal husbandry, food, and biotechnology and to introduce a new technologies and know-how.

The exhibition titled "How Chinggis Khan Changed the World" will be presented at the National History Museum of France in October of this year. Gratitude was expressed to the French Government for its support and collaboration in making this event possible.

During our discussions on international relations and multilateral cooperation, a wide range of topics were addressed, including making contribution to UN peacekeeping operations to foster sustainable development, to prosperity founded on human rights and democratic principles, the promotion of feminist foreign policy and expanding the cooperation of the two countries to achieve common national and global objectives such as prevention of weapons of mass destruction proliferation, and the fight against terrorism.

I extended congratulations to the people of France, who will be hosting the upcoming "Paris-2024" Summer Olympic Games, and wished them great success. The joint declaration issued by Mongolia and France, which is based on our talks and mutually agreed-upon matters during this state visit, is perceived as a momentous document of historical significance, poised to elevate future cooperation between our two countries to a new level.

Dear President, I extend my sincere wishes for the well-being and prosperity to you and the people of France. May the bilateral relations between our countries continue to thrive and flourish."

Mongolia detained four North Koreans this month for illegally entering the country, immigration authorities announced Wednesday, in a rare press release from a country that usually helps defectors by allowing them to travel elsewhere once they cross the border.

“On the 10th of May, four citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were found illegally crossing from the People’s Republic of China to our country,” the General Authority for Border Protection stated in a press release that has since been deleted from its website.

“These individuals have been transferred to legal facilities,” the agency added.

The border authority did not specify whether the North Koreans intended to defect and Mongolian authorities did not respond to an NK News question about whether they will be repatriated to the DPRK.

Mongolia is about 500 miles (800 km) from North Korea and is a known destination for North Koreans seeking to defect. Separating the two countries is China, which arrests defectors as “economic migrants” and sends them back.

If Mongolia repatriates the DPRK nationals to North Korea, they will likely be “subjected to torture and ill-treatment, forced labor and gender-based violence,” according to the U.N. special envoy for DPRK human rights Elizabeth Salmon in a recent report.

Mongolia may have publicly announced the arrest because North Korea’s foreign minister might visit Mongolia soon on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties Anthony Rinna, an expert on DPRK-Central Asia relations, told NK News.

“Mongolia has, as a matter of principle, always tried to maintain balanced ties between the two Koreas as part of its broader strategy of maintaining relative equilibrium between China, Russia and the West,” Rinna explained.

In response to NK News questions about the arrest by Mongolia, South Korea’s foreign ministry said it could not confirm any details but that it is making “diplomatic efforts to ensure that North Korean defectors staying abroad can safely and quickly go where they want to go without being forced to return to North Korea against their will.”

Mongolia has previously allowed defectors to go to the South Korean embassy where they can apply to be sent to the South, though it is unclear if that is what will happen this time. Mongolia has an inconsistent record of how it deals with DPRK nationals, sometimes choosing to repatriate North Koreans.

“In light of Mongolia’s outreach to the DPRK, Mongolian authorities may have arrested the defectors as a sign of goodwill toward Pyongyang, especially as Mongolia’s previous status as a relatively popular destination for North Korean defectors has caused friction between Pyongyang and Ulaanbaatar,” Rinna said.

The number of defectors reaching South Korea has plummeted since the outbreak of COVID-19 due to austere border closures in the DPRK and China’s own anti-pandemic movement restrictions.

Only 34 North Korean defectors reached South Korea between January and March this year, the most in a three-month period since 2020 but still far fewer than before the pandemic.

Only a handful of the defectors who have reached South Korea during the pandemic crossed the DPRK border, according to experts. Most were apparently already in third countries — like Mongolia — before seeking to resettle in the South, including overseas workers.

More than 1,000 defectors made it to South Korea in 2019 before the pandemic, and nearly 3,000 arrived per year in the late 2000s.

Edited by Arius Derr

Emmanuel Macron arrives Sunday in Mongolia for a brief, symbolic visit, the first by a French president to the country nestled between China and Russia that is of growing strategic interest in the West.

The French head of state will stop off in the capital Ulaanbaatar after having taken part in the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan -- at which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the star guest.

The leader of the war-torn country was there to address key Western allies, but also leaders of non-aligned nations like Brazil and India.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France has stepped up its efforts to speak with countries who have not explicitly condemned it -- of which Mongolia is one.

In Ulaanbaatar, where he will only spend an evening, Macron will dine with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the Elysee said.

The French president will also visit the museum of Genghis Khan, named for the 13th-century Mongol conqueror, which will lend part of its collection to the Nantes History Museum in western France for an exhibition scheduled for October.

Macron will then depart for Paris at the end of the evening.

"The fact that Mongolia will be on the route back allows us to make this historic first (visit) and gives it a special meaning," a source in the Elysee's entourage said.

"Mongolia is landlocked between Russia and China, but is also a country which has a liberal model of government," they said, adding it is trying to "diversify its partnerships in order to be more robust and able to deal with its large Russian and Chinese neighbours".

The French presidency is seeking to "loosen the constraint exerted on Russia's neighbours and open up to them the choice of their options", they added.

On the bilateral level, France has considered that there are "very significant possibilities for cooperation" with Mongolia, particularly in energy, with the country struggling to decarbonise its coal-dependent economy.

The vast north Asian country has been the subject of growing interest in recent years from the United States as part of a strategy to thwart the rise of China.

Eighty-six percent of Mongolia's total exports go to China, half of which is coal.

Mongolia has struggled with political instability since its first democratic constitution in 1992, when it emerged from the Soviet orbit.

Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar is working on an official appointment in the Republic of Korea. Within the framework of the appointment, which aims to open up new opportunities for cooperation in economy, investment, infrastructure and other fields of the two cities, he met the chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, and the mayor. In addition, he got acquainted with the standard solutions that solved the problems in the city and discussed about introducing them to Ulaanbaatar. In this context, he elaborated on the results of his visit.

Meetings with Seoul’s administration and relevant officials were held. How do you see the results of these meetings?

According to the official appointment program, we met with the administration of the Seoul city and discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation between the two cities. Moreover, we got acquainted with construction, technological and economic projects. In the future, we believe that we can cooperate with the capital of South Korea in four directions.

Could you clarify on the sectors that will be on focus?

For example, technological advances will be introduced in connection with the renovation of Ulaanbaatar’s public transport. There is a need to renew the public transport payment system in connection with the import of another 1,200 buses as part of the public transport fleet renovation. We are studying the possibilities of cooperation with South Korea and the kind of solutions to introduce. In addition, taxi services in Ulaanbaatar should be increased and improved. It is an important part of the city’s culture. The capital city, the private sector and other organizations can work together to create a quality taxi service that meets modern requirements. Negotiations are ongoing in this regard.

For Seoul, the economy along the Han River has been developed and built. Not only in South Korea, but also in other Asian countries. So, for Ulaanbaatar, it is possible to develop construction, services and trade along the Tuul river. It is important not only for the economy, but also for increasing the green areas and improving the flow of the river. In this regard, we expressed a request to invite the professional team that worked on the construction of the Han River to Ulaanbaatar and learn from their experience.

Of course, one of the pressing problems facing Ulaanbaatar is air pollution. The two cities can work together to reduce air pollution and introduce environmentally friendly technologies.

Another area of cooperation between Ulaanbaatar and Seoul is personnel training. We will work together to train and empower personnel in the field of urban improvement and service, and exchange experience. Of course, there is a shortage of personnel for the large-scale construction and renovations of the city. For example, there is hardly any IT specialist who has worked in this field to renew the integrated traffic management center. Therefore, many works can be executed step by step by organizing training in this context.

Operator of Mongolia cooperated with a foreign company manager and organized a trip involving well-known and famous people, however the manager shook his head and said, “Mongolia is not ready yet.” Tourists who came here to get to know Mongolia’s winter stayed at the recreation and tourism complex in Arkhangai Province, which operates throughout the four seasons and is considered the largest in our country. But this was just a name. From the characteristic, attitude and service of the employees, many things did not meet the travelers’ expectations. Although it was a holiday and tourism complex, the electricity and hot water are cut off shortly as they are on, and the food does not arrive on time, leaving foreigners surprised. When the manager from the tour operator company complained to the resort, they almost threatened to kick them out because of their high demands. The young man, who expressed his frustration said, “When the service organizations are in this poor state, our country should not talk or dream about receiving one million tourists.”

This is the reality behind the scenes of our country, which has set a big goal of receiving one million tourists in 2023 and 1.5 million in 2024 and is implementing a comprehensive initiative called “Years to visit Mongolia”. There are almost no places in our country that can comfortably accommodate 10 or 20 people, let alone absorb a million tourists. As a result of increasing the frequency of flights and activating marketing and advertising, the number of foreigners coming to Mongolia has increased and it came with the rising number of criticisms and complaints about tourism services. If we look at it from a positive point of view, it may be an opportunity for us to see our own mistakes clearly and to correct them. On the other hand, if too much unfavorable information about Mongolia continues to spread in the international market, there is a negative possibility that our country will be put on the blacklist. Remember how the comments of the Japanese tourist who was left from the scheduled flight due to the irresponsibility of Mongolian Airlines spread on social media? In this age of so-called information, it is worth remembering that negative comments from one tourist can have strong and negative consequences to block people’s way.

There are 10 standards related to tourism services in our country. Depending on the hotel, tourist camp and resort, the standards of housekeeping and room service are different. There are even standards for general guides, interpreters, hospitality specialists, baristas, bartenders, and waiters. In fact, there are even codes of conduct and standards of behavior that those working in the hospitality industry must follow. How to greet a tourist, exchange business cards, resolve suggestions and complaints, offer help, give instructions, and explain the rules of communication are very detailed and clear. It also included rules related to a positive and correct attitude based on ethics, responsibility, and time management. For example, if a customer complains or makes a request, the employee has a rule to listen to and accept the complaint, solve it as much as possible, report back to him or her, and not be a nuisance in any way.

In addition, they should be able to fully understand the products and services they sell, the specifics of their organization’s operations, and the policies they follow, and be able to give full answers to tourists’ questions. However, the common image of employees in our hospitality organization is that they are tired of their work, have a hard time, and don’t know their work. In case of criticisms and complaints related to the service, it will be accepted in the same manner as mentioned. At best, they cheat and trick you by saying, “I will pass on your suggestions and complaints to my boss and management.” Some ignore it, saying, “I don’t know because it’s not my job.” Most people don’t give out information about their products unless they have a guarantee of service. A young man who took tourists to the hot spring, which is considered to be one of the biggest in our country, said, “There is no culture of greeting or interacting with people there. Not every description of the information. They have a bad attitude.” This is the general appearance of resorts, tourist camps, hotels, and restaurants, not to mention spas. Even in so-called international airports, there is no standard of service. The Tourist Information Center, which was closed due to the pandemic, has not yet opened its doors. The taxi service providers who are passing foreigners outside the airport often attack the tourists and almost steal their luggage. Generally, our country is known by its bad services by tourists right from the gate.

In addition to the attitude and characteristics of the staff, there are many things that surprise tourists related to hygiene, safety, and room service. To give just one example, most of our country’s resorts and tourist camps are characterized using Mongolian ger for services. That is why there is a special standard called home service. According to the standard, Mongolian homes for tourists should be as clean, comfortable, and well-furnished comparable to hotel rooms. They even have a requirement for cleaning before and after receiving the guest and how to measure the humidity and dust, how to make the bed, and how to give instructions for the fire are also included. It is even stated that “housekeepers of tourist camps have uniforms for two seasons, they will wear them fully and provide service.” Unfortunately, in reality, the homes of our tourist camps and resorts are distinguished from other services only by their filthiness with the smell of damp and mold, and by their inflated prices. It is difficult to talk about hygiene standards. Now it’s time to sort it out.

The main reason for the poor implementation of tourism service standards is due to weak supervision. Second, there are many entrepreneurs who believe that there is no need for strict standards in this industry. There are people who believe, “If we want to develop tourism, we need to improve the quality of our services. Therefore, we should raise our standards to conform to international standards”, while others say that “Corruption and bureaucracy flourish when the government becomes too involved in business activities. They will be fined, punished, and imprisoned. It should be carried out according to the principles of the market, not through strict government control,”. It is said that even at the time when the accompanying regulations and standards are being revised in connection with the new tourism law, there are conflicts arising among businessmen.

In fact, this is no different from debating whether to accept tourists from the international market. If Mongolia aims to develop tourism as a priority and compete in the international market, it has no choice but to pay attention to the pursuit of standards. The most important indicator in tourism is tourist satisfaction. But satisfaction is the result of quality service. Standards are the main driving force for providing accessible and quality services. That’s why the government’s action program for 2020 to 2024 includes “Improve tourism products, services, quality and standards, increase competitiveness, increase the number of passengers and tourists to one million” and “Renew national standards to meet international standards”. Moreover, due to the slow pace of this work and the extremely inadequate implementation of the previous standards and regulations, the tourism organizations of our country are “known” for their quality of service and are turning away tourists who came during the “Years to visit Mongolia” from the very beginning.

Mongolia is set to host XXIII Asian Physics Olympiad in Ulaanbaatar on May 21-29 under the auspices of the President of Mongolia. In relation to this significant event, MONTSAME, the Mongolian National News engaged in an interview with Academician J. Davaasambuu, the President of the Mongolian Physics Society. Our conversation centered on the meticulous planning and organization required for the successful implementation of the Olympiad.

The Asian Physics Olympiad is set to take place in Mongolia for the second time. Could you elaborate on the preparation work?

It is important to acknowledge that the primary objectives of the Olympiad are to assess the quality of physics education in Asian nations, provide support to students with a keen interest in physics, and showcase the cultural heritage of the hosting country. Thus, the successful execution of this event entails the collaboration of numerous individuals beyond the realm of physicists. In order to orchestrate the Olympiad, physics educators from the Mongolian State University, the Mongolian University of Education, the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, as well as researchers from the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences, collectively conducted comprehensive physics training programs in schools across all provinces and districts throughout the year. A dedicated team of 10-15 experts organized a knowledge day, featuring experimental demonstrations, with the aim of addressing any deficiencies in physics education, empowering teachers, and fostering a deeper understanding of the field of physics.

We consider it a tremendous privilege to have been selected as the host country for the Olympiad. Mongolia previously had the distinction of organizing the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2008. The forthcoming Olympiad will be the second of its kind, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science, the General Department of Education, as well as the dedicated involvement of over 100 esteemed scientists from the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences, and the Department of Physics at the National University of Science and Technology of Mongolia, alongside the collective contributions of all physicists in the country.

Within this framework, our commitment to the field of physics extends throughout the entire year, immersing ourselves in its principles and practices. As an illustrative example, our team has developed an online physics course tailored for secondary school students. Through collaborative efforts, the most accomplished teachers have diligently prepared 200 lectures and accompanying assignments. These resources will be made accessible to teachers, students, and individuals with an interest in physics, serving as a valuable reference guide for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this captivating field of study.

I have been informed that the questions for XXIII Asian Physics Olympiad were formulated by a team of Mongolian scientists. Generally speaking, is there a dedicated team responsible for creating the questions for the Olympiad?

The host country of the Asian Physics Olympiad is entrusted with the task of developing its own problems. Due to its confidential nature, five individuals, under the supervision of one coordinator, were appointed to create the five problems. To ensure accountability, all team members signed a liability agreement. The organization of a fair and esteemed competition is of utmost importance. Currently, three theoretical problems have been finalized, two test problems have been designed, and 600 laboratory experiments have been commissioned and prepared. Additionally, 150 specialized equipment pieces have been procured internationally to facilitate the necessary measurements. Unlike sporting events where athletes are invited to participate, the Olympiad involves a comprehensive approach where the host country is responsible for the development and execution of policies and its organization. Over the course of 23 iterations, 12 countries have taken turns hosting the Asian Physics Olympiad. Our country's physicists have garnered significant recognition in Asia, which is why Mongolia has been selected to organize this edition. It is crucial that the policies of the Olympiad are innovative, unprecedented, and display a high degree of creativity.

May I inquire about the number of countries whose scientists will participate in the Olympiad? Is there a Nobel Prize laureate who has been invited to deliver a lecture?

The Asian Physics Olympiad attracts talented physicists from various nations, with a notable presence expected from Romania, Pacific countries, and Australia. The event will witness the participation of approximately 200 students, accompanied by over 100 teachers and professors, representing 28 countries. Distinguished attendees will include the chairman of the Asian Physics Olympiad committee, esteemed professors from Taiwan University, as well as a substantial delegation from Vietnam. Additionally, around 40 individuals will attend the Olympiad as observers, enriching the academic atmosphere with their insights and observations.

On the 27th of this month, we are honored to announce that Konstantin Sergeevich Novoselov, the distinguished recipient of the 2010 Nobel Prize, will deliver a keynote speech entitled "Materials of the Future."

This remarkable opportunity serves as an enlightening experience for the Olympiad participants. Each team participating in the Olympiad will consist of eight students and two teachers. As the host country, we have the privilege of fielding two teams. Among the team members, two students have been selected from Ulaanbaatar City, while the remaining six have been chosen from rural areas. Historically, only students from the city have participated in the Asian Physics Olympiad. However, this year, in an endeavor to support local students and broaden the Olympiad's impact, a dedicated training program was organized. As a result, six students who achieved exceptional performances and secured top positions in the State Physics Olympiad were selected for participation. The teaching staff from the National University of Mongolia are diligently assembling and preparing the team for the upcoming competition.

Heavy blizzards and strong dust storms in eastern Mongolia have killed two people, the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Saturday.

"A total of 127 people, mostly nomadic herders, went missing in the dust and snow storms that started in the eastern provinces of Sukhbaatar and Khentii on Friday morning, 125 of them have been found alive. Unfortunately, two people have lost their lives in the storms," NEMA said in a statement.

The disastrous weather conditions have caused severe damage to public and private buildings as well as infrastructure facilities such as roads and power lines, and killed a large number of livestock, according to the emergency agency.

The unstable weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend across large parts of the country, especially eastern and southern provinces, the country's weather monitoring agency said, warning the public, especially nomadic herders and drivers, to take extra precautions against possible disasters.

Mongolia has a harsh continental climate as strong winds and dust storms are common.