Name: Richard Buangan, Title and Term: U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia (2022-Present), Introduce your Birthplace / Hometown

I was born in San Diego. My father was in the Navy, he was assigned there on a tour and met my mother there. San Diego has a number of differences from Ulaanbaatar, particularly the climate. However, there are a lot of similarities between the people; San Diego, like Mongolia, has a generally very friendly population, people are laid back, everyone is always doing something outdoors, there’s a real love of the outdoors. Also, the cities of San Diego and Ulaanbaatar are roughly similar in population size.

Introduce your Parents

As I mentioned, my father was in the U.S. Navy. He grew up in the Philippines but admired the United States, a country he had never visited, and dreamed of joining the Navy. Meanwhile, my mother was an accountant who came to the United States with nothing more than her accounting degree and a small suitcase. I often think of my parent’s story and how its leap of faith personifies what many, including a number of Mongolian immigrants, go through when coming to the United States.

Introduce Your Siblings and Childhood

My childhood was very nomadic. I grew up with my father moving around from place to place in the United States because of his military assignments. While I was born in San Diego, I spent a lot of my childhood in Hawaii and consider that my second childhood home.

I have one sibling, a brother who is only two years younger than me. He actually flew out to Washington, D.C. for my swearing in as Ambassador. We spent a lot of time in the outdoors growing up. In Hawaii, I remember the small Filipino community in Waipahu, we were very tight knit. Neighbors were not shy to treat me like their own child. My family is my bedrock and I would not be where I am today without their love, support, and encouragement.

Ambassador Buangan is putting his hand on the bible, swearing in as the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia

Hobbies

I have some musical hobbies, like playing the piano and ukulele. However, I’m really passionate about reading and love learning about the culture, language, and history of other countries. I read a lot, especially history books. I’m usually a non-fiction, history reader. Earnest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, they’re probably my favorite authors. I’ll read their books over and over again. Joseph Campbell is another author I love reading, he really examined the structure behind our stories and our heroes. And, of course, I’ve read Jack Weatherford.

In fact, I have two copies of Jack Weatherford’s book, “Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World” but only recently realized it. When I learned I was nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, I immediately got a copy of the book only to find out I already had a copy that was given to me as a gift when I visited Mongolia in 2012, when I was the Director of Digital Engagement and traveling with the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Global Public Affairs.

Sports

As an adult, being outdoors is still really important to me, so I do like to get out and golf. I was not much of an athlete growing up, but I did play little league baseball. It may have contributed to my love of the Padres, and I am a true fan because San Diego may not have a lot of sports teams, but they do have a baseball team. I’m proud of San Diego as my home town, so I root for my sports teams.

Music

I like classical music and I’m a big fan of Elvis. I also really love opera, particularly Mozart, Wagner, and Verdi’s works. One of my first cultural events here in Mongolia was going to the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet and seeing “Tosca.” My favorite opera is “Tristan und Isolde,” which shares a number of themes with Romeo and Juliet.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

My family and friends. As I said, my family is my bedrock and I would not be where I am today without their love, support, and encouragement. Same is true for my friends.

How would you describe the Mongolian people you’ve met so far?

I have been amazed at how friendly, patient, and open the Mongolian people are. I really feel welcome here in Mongolia already.

Professional Life

What does being a diplomat mean to you?

To me, being a diplomat means being able to represent my country in foreign places, to find ways where we can achieve common ground. Successful diplomats learn from other cultures, countries, and societies. We also help America also understand its role in the world.

Ambassador Buangan on the stage

Most memorable/proud moment from your time in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Since Mongolia is in the Bureau of East Asian and Public Affairs, my most memorable moment in the bureau was arriving here. That first day, coming into the airport, I had never felt so much anticipation.

What are your three main goals / priorities as the U.S. Ambassador in Mongolia?

As U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, my priorities are building and enhancing our people-to-people, democratic, and economic ties. My colleagues and I will partner with you to keep Mongolia’s democracy strong and your economy resilient. In the last few decades, Mongolia has been a steady partner committed to human rights and rule of law, while fostering a strong and vibrant civil society and free press. I also look forward to strengthening our defense relationship so Mongolia can continue to play a global role in UN peacekeeping, and humanitarian and disaster relief. Our two countries have a close and enduring relationship; a relationship of friendship and partnership, where we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you to safeguard freedom, prosperity, and bright futures for both our countries.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

To learn Mongolian

What is the greatest accomplishment of your life (so far)?

To be the U.S. Ambassador in Mongolia.

How do you hope to be remembered when you leave Mongolia?

I want Mongolians to think of me, and of Americans in general, as a good person and genuine partner and friend.

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe held talks with his Mongolian counterpart Saikhanbayar Gursed via video link on November 19.

Wei said that China and Mongolia are good neighbors, partners and brothers that can stand the test of anything, under the common guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, the construction of a community with a share future for China and Mongolia has made in-depth and substantial progress.

Wei pointed out that the world has entered a new period of turbulences and changes at present, China and Mongolia should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, support each other in the core interests and major concerns, and push forward the China-Mongolia relationship to a higher level.

He also stressed that the pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries has seen sound development momentum, and the Chinese side hopes that the two militaries can maintain closer strategic communication, expand joint training, deepen border defense cooperation and conduct multilateral interaction, continuously promoting the bilateral military ties and contributing to maintaining common security in the region.

Saikhanbayar said the relations between the two countries and their militaries have presented development momentum at a high level even in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. The Mongolian military thanks the Chinese military for its anti-pandemic support and assistance provided for the Mongolian side, and is willing to work together with the Chinese side to deepen pragmatic cooperation in the areas of personnel training, international peacekeeping, and medical service at military colleges, jointly pushing forward the defense relationship between the two countries.

During the meeting, Wei also briefed Saikhanbayar on related information and important achievements of the 20th CPC National Congress, Saikhanbayar extended his on the successful convening of this event.

FUKUOKA – Sekiwake Hoshoryu racked up another impressive win at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday, toppling rank-and-file opponent Wakamotoharu to keep his share of the lead.

The 23-year-old rising star from Mongolia improved to 6-1 with his victory over the No. 4 maegashira on Day 7 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, where he shares the top of the leaderboard with No. 1 Takayasu, No. 9 Abi and No. 13 Oho.

The State Opera and Ballet Academic Theater (SOBAT) organized the first "Mongolian Grand Prix" ballet competition, announced the winners, and awarded them.

More than 200 ballet dancers aged 6-25 competed in 8 categories.

In the 6-8 age category in the classical solo genre of the first ballet competition, S. Oyukhan won first place, S. Dulguun won second place, P. Maral won third place, and E. Tselmeg took the honorable mention.

9-11 age category:

O. Gegeenee won first place, M. Nomin won second place, S. Anar won third place, and E. Urantugs took the honorable mention.

12-14 age category:

D. Burte-Ujin won first place, D. Burtjin won second place, E. Bayasgalan won third place, and U. Anar took the honorable mention.

15-19 age category:

B. Khulan won first place, E. Egshiglen won second place, A. Bayarjavkhlan won third place, and G. Dulguunnyam took the honorable mention.

16-25 age category in modern genre:

The best participants wereO. Iderbat, U.Munkhjin, and Kh Galtulga.

6-8 age category in classical team genre:

"Esmeralda's friends" team of Silfida Ballet Academy won the first place, "Khatad" team of Selenge aimag "Khatad" studio won the second place, "Light" team of "Dance garden" studio won the third place, "Gladness" team of "Gladness" Studio took the honorable mention.

9-11 age category:

"Viscaria" team of "Gladness" studio won first place, "Esmeralda's friends" team of Silfida Ballet Academy won second place, "Diana action" team of Silfida Ballet Academy won third place, "Dance garden" team of "Dance garden II" Studio took the honorable mention.

12-14 age category:

The winner is "Little swans" of Mongolian State Conservatory, and the runner-up is "The swans" team of Silfida Ballet Academy.

The chief judge of the first ballet competition was the chief ballet master of SOBAT D. Dashlkhagva. Judges are the head of SOBAT O. Ganbaatar, the executive officer of the composition of SOBAT E. Bekhtulga, and the State Honored Actress Kh. Gerelchimeg, classical dance teacher of Mongolian State Conservatory, Kh. Mungunkhulug, Classical dance teacher of Mongolian State Conservatory and State Honored Actress G. Tsolmon, solo dancer of SOBAT B. Saruul, and solo dancer and Honored Cultural Figure M. Od

Partner Air Chiefs and representatives from 18 NATO nations including Mongolia assembled via video teleconference for the 2022 Partner Air Chiefs’ Conference chaired by General James B. Hecker, Commander Allied Air Command.

NATO cooperates with a range of Partner nations and they contribute to several of its core activities, from shaping policy to developing interoperability and managing crises. Partnership programmes also assists in the development of national defence and security institutions and forces.

“Exchanges between Allied Air Command leaders and Partner Air Chiefs during these events gives us the ability to share knowledge and experiences to build solid relationships within the air domain,” said General James Hecker, Commander Allied Air Command.

The core objectives of conference are a look into the outcomes of the Madrid Summit 2022 with a particular focus on its impact for Partner activities within NATO, an update of the Ukrainian crisis with a presentation from Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukraine Air Force, and how it has influenced Allied air activities, and an overview of Allied Air Commands current partnership activities discussing areas that could be increased or open to new Partners in the future.

Mr. Rob Smith, a Senior Intelligence Analyst talked about the changing strategic environment noting NATO faces challenges in multiple directions. While General Shunji Izutsu of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force spoke about NATO cooperation from the Indo-Pacific perspective.

Major General Luis Carlos Cordoba, Commander of the Columbian Air Force, delivered a presentation on the employment and usage of aerospace capabilities for Amazon protection, giving an understanding the role of Columbian Air Force in the protection of the environment in combating the deforestation.

Additional topics included the Space domain and education and training opportunities were discussed among the participants.

NATO

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that the Asia-Pacific area was “no one’s backyard,” urging for greater regional cooperation on development and security. Xi’s statement was made in written remarks to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Thailand and released shortly after he arrived there.

“The Asia-Pacific … should not become an arena for a big power contest,” Xi said, adding that, “No attempt to wage a new cold war will ever be allowed by the power or by our times.”

According to him, any attempt to disrupt or even dismantle the industrial and supply chains formed in the Asia-Pacific over many years will only lead the region’s economic cooperation to a dead end.

“The 21st century is the Asia-Pacific century … We, members of this region, have come a long way in pursuing economic development, and we will surely write an even more brilliant chapter in the years ahead,” Xi stressed.

The Chinese leader put forward a six-point proposal in this regard, namely bolstering the foundation for peaceful development, taking a people-centered development approach, pursuing greater levels of openness, striving for higher-standard connectivity, building stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, as well as promoting economic development.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for around 60% of the world's population and almost 50% of global economic output. One of the fastest-growing parts of the world, it is widely viewed as a hub of global trade.

According to last month’s report by the S&P Global Market Intelligence, Asia-Pacific economies will dominate global growth in the upcoming year. S&P predicted the region will achieve real growth of roughly 3.5% in 2023, while Europe and the US will likely face recession.

The British Association of Trade and Commerce in Mongolia will hold a Royal Gala Dinner on Saturday 26 November 2022 at the Shangri-La Hotel. The evening will include a range of unique and exciting entertainment including an excerpt from Shakespeare, a live string quartet and piano (from a pianist due to play Carnegie Hall next year), dances, a circus display and two race events where guests will have the opportunity to own or bet on a horse. All funds raised will go to support our four named charities. The Veloo Foundation, Misheel Kids Foundation, Christina Nobel Foundation or the Lotus Centre.

The theme of the evening will now be a celebration of the late Queen's life and support for the new reign of King Charles III, who in his former capacity as Prince of Wales, supported several charities and organisations that focus on supporting children and young people.

To purchase your e-tickets for this prestigious event please contact Ariuntuya Tsend at batcmongolia@gmail.com or on 976 99009737.

Yours sincerely

Steve J. Potter

Chairman

British Association of Trade and Commerce in Mongolia

Mongolian authorities asked Russia to supply additional volumes of diesel fuel before the coming of cold weather, this should be resolved during December, Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko told reporters on Tuesday. She was speaking after a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Mongolia.

"We received an additional request from the Mongolian side to increase the supply of diesel fuel and are already discussing this issue in detail. In December, we should come to an appropriate decision. Today we heard about it for the first time. Our colleagues want us to resolve this issue very quickly, within December, before the coming of cold weather," Abramchenko said.

According to her, in order for Russia to be able to supply these volumes, Mongolia needs to adjust its laws on petroleum products. The Russian side proposed a formula that would make it possible to remove the relevant barriers.

"This law has been under consideration for more than two years, the amendment is ready, and we agreed that as soon as the Mongolian delegation returns home, they will launch the procedure for considering the amendment for the second reading, so that our operator will be the only supplier of oil products to the Mongolian market," Abramchenko explained.

She also stressed that Russia has already increased the supply of diesel fuel to Mongolia. "Over the past period, the volume of such deliveries from the Russian Federation has already increased by 60%," she specified.

Mongolia's inflation, measured as the consumer price index, surged year-on-year by 14.5 percent in October, said the country's National Statistics Office on Tuesday.

The index rose 1.3 percent from the previous month and 10.9 percent from the start of 2022. The increase is largely related to the higher prices for imported goods, the office said in a statement.

There are 410 items in the country's consumer goods and services basket, with 221 of them imported, said the statement.

Last week, on November 11, the State Great Hural approved the 2023 State Budget of Mongolia. At a time when the whole world is trying to strengthen its economy by switching to austerity mode, how Mongolia budgeted its budget is drawing people's attention. The current budget is unique in that it was approved at a time of uncertain risks, from the need to keep the inflation rate at a single digit in the next year to the impact of geopolitical and war issues.

Budget revenue to be 19 trillion 49.6 billion

The budget for the upcoming year will bring in MNT 19 trillion 49.6 billion in overall revenue, which is equal to 34.9 percent of the country's GDP. The total balanced budget deficit is anticipated to be MNT 1 trillion 425.7 billion, or 2.6 percent of the gross domestic product, whereas the total expenditures are MNT 20 trillion 475.3 billion, or 37.6 percent of the GDP. The budget was developed for the first time in accordance with the austerity law, officials emphasize. However, the total revenue expected to be collected in 2023 is MNT 3.4 trillion, which is more than 20 percent greater than the approved budget for 2022. The total deficit of the budget has been reduced to MNT 1.4 trillion, by MNT 127.6 billion compared to the previous budget. The deficit, for instance, hit MNT 4.4 trillion in 2020, MNT 2.9 trillion in 2021, and MNT 2.4 trillion in 2022.

Inflation rate to be kept at single-digit amount

Economic growth is projected to be 5 percent in Mongolia's budget for the following year, while inflation is projected to be 8 percent or a single-digit amount. However, according to international organizations, Mongolia's inflation rate would be between 10.5 and 13 percent in 2023. For instance, the Asian Development Bank found that Mongolia's inflation will still be high as a result of rising import prices brought on by disruptions in the supply chain, rising transportation costs, and the depreciation of the MNT relative to other currencies. According to the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, the depreciation of the MNT, problems with logistics and transportation, and excessive food inflation on the global market have all contributed to the inflation rate reaching 13.8 percent as of right now. The experts warn that projections may diverge due to the external environment's uncertainties, changes in the inflation rates of trading partners, and a decrease in the MNT currency rate.

Debt guarantee cap to be MNT 3.7 trillion

As of the halfway point of this year, Mongolia owes USD 33.3 billion in foreign debt. If we break it down, businesses have USD 21.3 billion, the government 8.1 billion, the central bank 2.5 billion, and the remaining USD 1.4 billion are issued to commercial banks. The maximum amount of international and domestic loans that the government may take in 2023 as part of funding the budget deficit is set at up to MNt 2.8 trillion. In particular, the government has been given permission to use up to MNT 1.2 trillion in foreign project loans. To put it another way, the government has estimated that it will receive MNT 4 trillion in loans to pay its losses next year. The maximum amount of the government's debt guarantee for the upcoming year will be MNT 3.7 trillion.

Mining sector to contribute MNT 4.9 trillion to budget

According to forecasts, state budget spending will rise by 58 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. It is anticipated that the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine will be put into operation next year, which would result in an increase in copper exports for our nation, which is dependent on mining. Mongolia, therefore, intends to step up the recovery of the border ports, increase the export of mineral goods, and concentrate its efforts on enhancing tax payments in the upcoming year. For instance, it is estimated that mining, which currently bears the bulk of the economy's weight, will produce MNT 4.9 trillion in revenue next year, or approximately 25 percent of the total budget revenue.

According to estimates, royalties from mineral resources will bring in MNT 2.5 trillion, 238 billion from gold, 1.7 trillion from coal, and 2.3 trillion from copper concentrate. In doing so, it was anticipated that copper would cost USD 8400 per ton and coal would cost USD 200 per ton. In addition, the completion of the railway connection between Gashuunsukhait and Gantsmod border port will result in a rise in coal shipments to 36.5 million tons in the next year. Experts have cautioned that recent coal export predictions have been overly optimistic, which could cause a disruption in the state's revenue. International specialists point out that although the cost of mineral products has risen in recent years on the global market, there is a tendency for it to fall in the coming years.

No new investments to be made

Although the government declared that it has fully shifted to austerity mode, the state budget expenditure was approved to be MNT 20 trillion 475.3 billion. Mongolia specifically boosted its expenditure over the prior year by 2.5 trillion. Mongolia will complete the construction projects begun in previous years and won't make any additional investments in the coming year. MNT 2 trillion 695 billion will be used to finance investment projects, measures, and constructions in the coming year while MNT 279.5 billion has been budgeted to spend on projects, measures, and constructions implemented under the turnkey contracts. For instance, 78 percent of the ongoing project will be completed in 2023, along with 86 schools, 62 medical facilities, 36 boarding homes, and 103 kindergartens. Public transportation fleet reforms will also be fully settled, and particular attention will be paid to decreasing the traffic in the upcoming year. In this context, the capital city will receive MNT 318 billion for the public transportation fleet renovation.

Finance Ministry's budget reduced by MNT 115.5 billion

One of the most important things that draw citizens’ attention is budget management. The funding that the Minister of Energy will use to finance the night electricity tariff has increased, as shown in the budget for the next year. Moreover, the budget of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has grown by MNT 83.7 billion and MNT 11 billion, respectively, for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, MNT 18 billion more has been allocated to the Minister of Health's budget for the "Whole Liver-Mongolia" program's continuous implementation. On the other hand, the budget for the Minister of Finance has shrunk by MNT 115.5 billion, while the President's Office's expenses have declined by MNT 341 million.

Policy support to be provided for decentralization

The budget policy's implementation, which aims to balance urban and rural development, lessen excessive concentration, ease traffic congestion, and foster entrepreneurship and investment, will be closely watched the following year. For instance, citizens and entities shifting their businesses from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, to the rural regions will be able to receive loans with a discounted interest rate of 1 percent, and individuals moving from the capital city will receive reduced mortgage loans of 3 percent.

In terms of the child allowance, it will be provided to 90 percent of all children of the households with a monthly income of less than MNT 3.5 million. Mongolia anticipates spending MNT 1.4 trillion on 1.1 million kids in 2023.

Thus, the budget was passed by the State Great Hural during a challenging moment for the economy, as rising inflation, a falling MNT exchange rate, and a decline in foreign exchange reserves will make things difficult for Mongolia's economy in the year to come.