November 5, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Russian Federation. In the span of a century, the two countries have shared more historical, political, and social commonalities than any of Mongolia’s other partners around the world, due to both geography and politically constructed alliances through different stages of governments. Withstanding the test of time, the history of Mongolia and Russia relations highlights extraordinary turning points in the history of Northeast Asia.

A century ago, on November 5, 1921, the Mongolian People’s Republic (MPR), and the USSR signed a Treaty of Friendship establishing diplomatic relations. A year later, in 1922, embassies were opened in Ulaanbaatar and Moscow. Despite this foreign policy accomplishment, the 1930-1940s were treacherous times where political and religious ideologies collided. Some 30,000-40,000 Buddhist monks, intellectuals, and noblemen were purged in Mongolia’s echo of the Stalinist purges underway in the Soviet Union. It wasn’t until 50 years later, in 1984 during the Tsedenbal-Batmunkh transition, that the two sides reconciled and put to rest these historical trials, with the push from the Mongolian side.

Even during the rocky period of the 1930s and ’40s, Mongolia and Russia cooperated in a number of historical watershed moments.

One of the most recognized examples is the Battle of the Khalkhiin Gol, where the MPR and USSR armies fought the Imperial Army of Japan and the Japanese puppet-state of Manchukuo from May to September 1939. This series of Battle was a prelude to World War II, coming just before Germany’s invasion of Poland.

As most of Europe went to war with Nazi Germany, Russia, too, was drawn in. Mongolia’s supply of wool, warm clothing, food, and horses became a lifeline for the Russian soldiers fighting the Germans in the midst of winter. It is said that during Russia’s war against Germany, one in every five horses were Mongolian war horses. In 2015, the then president of Mongolia, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, gifted a large bronze horse statue, titled “Through the Warring Roads,” to the Russian people from the Mongolian people – a gentle reminder of Mongolia-Russia friendship, joint efforts, and a soft power move for its continued strong ties.

For 70 years, Mongolia’s domestic and foreign policies were heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, with its economic models inspired by socialism. There is no denying Russian influence in Mongolia. However, Mongolia’s strong relations with Russia were a major steppingstone for Mongolia to be recognized by the international community and gain foreign policy and diplomatic strength. At the same time, Russia’s industrial and economic development was mirrored in the development of Mongolia’s major sectors: infrastructure, energy, railroads, and major mining developments such as Erdenet. Even after the fall of the USSR, Mongolia continued to benefit from Russian investment. According to the Mongolian Foreign Ministry, “from 1990 to 2014, the volume of Russian investments in Mongolia reached 297 million USD, which accounts for 2.1% of total foreign direct investments in Mongolia.”

For the last five years, Mongolia has accelerated its foreign policy activities with its neighbors, including Russia, to embark on new opportunities that have the potential to diversify its mining-dependent economy. In 2019, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Mongolia, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, bringing Moscow and Ulaanbaatar even closer. The two countries are expanding cooperation in areas such as the economy, energy, and climate change-related issues.

In 2020, Russia ratified the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Mongolia. On November 25 of this year, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov presented the Order of Friendship award to the Mongolian ambassador to Russia, Davaa Dulamsuren, recognizing his contribution and dedication in developing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and Russia.

Mongolia-Russia relations have also been expanding in the energy sector. As Russia supplies 92 percent of Mongolia’s energy demand, particularly fuel, this is a key sector for both countries. Beyond bilateral cooperation, however, the Power of Siberia 2 mega-project, which involves Russia, Mongolia, and China, could be a game-changer for Northeast Asian gas supply. The project, with the construction of “1,942 kilometers of gas trunklines with 114 wells,” would see Russian gas transit Mongolia en route to China. Via the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, Russia’s energy pivot to Asia includes Mongolia. The government of Mongolia has been proactive in pursuing the pipeline as well, sealing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Russia in 2019.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Mongolia-Russia ties, the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia organized a scholarly conference on “Mongolia-Russia Relations: Past, Present, and Future.” Deputy Foreign Minister B. Munkhjin, Member of Parliament S. Odontuya, and S.A. Kramintsyev, an adviser to the Russian Embassy in Mongolia, opened the conference. At the conference, historians and scholars emphasized the fact that Mongolia and Russia and their peoples have worked together to overcome challenges and political transformations.

In addition, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Mongolia and the Embassy of Mongolia in the Russian Federation organized 92 activities over the course of a month-long celebration of the two countries’ century-long ties.

Moreover, the Office of the President, the parliamentary group on Mongolia-Russia relations, and the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia organized a historic photo gallery, “Hundred Events of a Century” that featured rare black and white images of the 1921 People’s Revolution, the Battle of Khalkhiin Gol of 1939, and Russia’s involvement in World War II. These images captured many of the significant events that shaped Mongolia-Russia relations.

In his opening remarks, Russian Ambassador to Mongolia I. K. Azizov stated, “We hope that the photographs displayed in this exhibition will give a clear idea of the 100-year history of Mongolian-Russian relations and other events, and that allows us to see these events in the big picture.”

GUEST AUTHOR

Bolor Lkhaajav is a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and the Americas. She holds an M.A. in Asia-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.

Mongolia is preparing to build on the success of its COVID-19 management policies with an ambitious new budget and progressive initiatives as part of its Vision 2050 reform agenda.

Mongolia's vaccination and booster programme has so far resulted in 66% of the total population, including 91% of adults, being doubled-vaccinated and 21% of the total population, including 35% of adults, receiving their booster. Supported by responsible public health policies, the country is seeing a steady decline in infections. Daily cases in November were down 70% from September and October, falling below 150 per day at the end of the month, with an overall case fatality rate of only 0.3%.

According to the Worldometer reference website, Mongolia ranked 39th out of 224 nations for total cases per million people as of 1 December. Furthermore, the government's decision in June to increase the number of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients to 23,000 enabled it to hospitalise 27% of its cases, including those at risk of developing severe symptoms, helping reduce the number of fatalities.

These and other steps against COVID-19, which also include a wide ranging MNT 10 trillion (US$3.5 billion) stimulus package credited with saving over 280,000 jobs, have left Mongolia well placed to move past the challenges of the pandemic. The country now looks set to begin realising its Vision 2050 agenda, the long-term development plan introduced by new Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. As Mongolia marks 100 years of political independence, following the 1921 Mongolian Revolution, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene has positioned Vision 2050 as a chance for Mongolia to achieve economic independence with a diversified economy, improved governance, green development, and improved quality of life among other goals.

Implementing Vision 2050's wide-ranging policies for Mongolia's economic and social development also received a boost in November with the ratification of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene's 2022 budget, which shows a spending increase of 4 trillion MNT ($US1.4 billion) over 2021.

SOURCE Government of Mongolia

Mongolia registered 327 new coronavirus cases for the past day.

171 are contacts of earlier confirmed cases in Ulaanbaatar, 153 cases were confirmed in the regions of the country, 3 are imported cases.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached 384,731.

3 deaths linked to coronavirus infection were registered for the past day. COVID-19 death toll reached 1,943.

2,303 patients are in serious condition. 527 are in critical condition. 89 are in extremely critical condition.

The total area of irrigated lands will be increased by 8 thousand hectares next year as part of the USD 46.2 million project 'Vegetable Production and Irrigated Agriculture' funded by the Asian Development Bank.

The government has organized a bid for the project to upgrade and install irrigation systems in Taishir and Khaliun soums of Gobi-Altai aimag, Erdeneburen and Altai soums of Khovd aimag, Sagsai and Bayannuur soums of Bayan-Ulgii aimag, Telmen and Uliastai soums of Zavkhan aimag, Sant soum of Selenge aimag, Batsumber soum of Tuv aimag, and Kherlen soum of Khentii aimag.

The irrigation systems upgrade will bring an opportunity to develop intensive crop farming and over 3 thousand locals will benefit from the project.

A Mongolian parliamentary delegation led by Gombojav Zandanshatar,Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, met with President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan

While addressing a delegation from Mongolia on Wednesday, President Ram Nath Kovind asserted that the oil refinery project in Mongolia is a symbol of the two countries' strong strategic alliance and that India is completely committed to the project's prompt completion.

The President was pleased to notice the progress of the Oil Refinery Project in Mongolia, which is one of India's developmental projects in Mongolia. This project, he said, represents the strong India-Mongolia collaboration and strategic alliance. He stated that India is totally committed to its prompt completion because it would significantly improve Mongolia's energy security.

While greeting the Mongolian delegation to India, the President further stated that India and Mongolia have shared culture, historical, spiritual, and civilisational links.

"The common values and ideals of democracy and freedom strengthen our bonds. As Mongolia's 'third neighbour' and 'spiritual neighbour', India looks forward to continued cooperation to further deepen its strategic partnership with Mongolia," MEA said in a release.

Pointing to the cooperation between India and Mongolia in facing challenges of COVID-19, the President said, ''We appreciate the timely and valuable support given to us in the second wave by the Government of Mongolia.'' He also expressed happiness that India could support Mongolia through the supply of vaccines and medicines.

President Kovind expressed his optimism that this visit would add to the dynamism of bilateral relationships between both countries. According to the President, Buddhism represents a unique link between India and Mongolia.

He also mentioned that Mongolian Kanjur manuscripts are being printed by India's National Mission for Manuscripts. He went on to say that India is assisting Gandan Monastery in digitising Buddhist manuscripts.

Apart from this, while speaking on global climate change, President Kovind stated that ''the impact of climate change would be disproportionately high on emerging countries like ours. It is critical that we collaborate to overcome this common problem.'' Mongolia has opted to join the International Solar Alliance, which he is pleased about.

Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 322 HIV carriers and AIDS patients are now living in Mongolia, according to newly released data by the country's National Statistics Office.

More than 80 percent of the HIV-infected people are men, while around 60 percent are people between 20 and 40 years old, according to data released by the agency on the occasion of World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1 every year.

Around 99 percent of infections are from sexual transmission, according to the statistical agency.

The first case of HIV infection in Mongolia was recorded in 1992. The East Asian country is home to a population of around 3.4 million.

On December 1, a forum took place under the theme, ‘Ulaanbaatar: Development Prospects’.

Governor of the Capital City, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar gave opening remarks at the forum, “In the past year, we aimed to resolve issues that accumulated over the years through a comprehensive policy by cooperating with the State Great Khural, the Government, and the Citizens’ Representative Khural of the Capital City for the development of Ulaanbaatar city. Through the forum, we aim to discuss possible solutions that could be effectively implemented in a short amount of time based on participation and partnership as well as to have them realized.”

“The Law on Administrative and Territorial Units and their Governance was amended by the parliament after 27 years. With this, it becomes possible for Ulaanbaatar city to resolve many of the issues that have accumulated over the past 30 years.”

Regarding the city’s development vision for 2040, “In the capital city, the population will increase up to over 2 million, with households amounting to 667 thousand. With two city centers, and 5 subcenters, there will be 84 new schools and 425 new kindergartens. By constructing 1,738.8 km of autoroads, 30 bridges and overpasses, and 9 underpasses, it is planned to increase the average speed of traffic during peak hours to 22.5 km/h,” highlighted Mayor D.Sumiyabazar.

MP, Head of the Temporary committee in charge of Ulaanbaatar city development policy E.Bat-Amgalan said, “In order to bring an end to the capital city’s many pressing issues, a temporary committee has been established with 26 members. The committee will provide support and cooperate in resolving socio-economic issues such as urban planning, traffic congestion, and environmental safety on a policy level.”

The capital city’s current population is 1.5 million, which is three times greater than the city’s population 30 years ago. In connection with the number of residents, 64.2 percent of the country’s total working age population and 69.2 percent of registered entities and organizations are based in Ulaanbaatar city.

During the forum, the city officials made presentations and held discussions on topics including ways to increase foreign investment, improve the city’s economic capacity, create opportunities for public-private partnership, and increase the amount of large-scale international projects and programs being implemented in Ulaanbaatar.

At the invitation of the Capital City Governor, the forum was attended by members of the temporary committee in charge of Ulaanbaatar city development policy, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, and representatives of the Citizens’ Representative Khural of the Capital City.

The Ministry of Health reported that 441 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the past 24 hours. Specifically, 274 cases were confirmed in Ulaanbaatar city, with 167 cases in rural regions.

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mongolia stands at 383,711.

Furthermore, three new COVID-19 related deaths have been reported, raising the country’s death toll to 1,935. Currently, 5,300 people are receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 whilst 10,087 people with mild symptoms of COVID-19 are being isolated at home.

Of the total patients currently undergoing treatment at hospitals, there are 2,073 patients in mild, 2,543 in serious, 573 in critical, and 111 in very critical conditions.

As of today, October 15, the coverage of 1st dose is 69.5 percent (2,260,835) and 2nd dose – 66.1 percent (2,151,702) of the total population. Moreover, 693,158 people (21.0 percent) have received 3rd dose or a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide.

Tel Aviv, Israel has won the unenviable title of world’s most expensive city to live in, according to a newly released biannual report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The city jumped to the top of the list, from fifth place last year, for the first time ever, the EIU’s December 2021 worldwide cost of living index, released on Tuesday, shows.

According to the EIU, Tel Aviv climbed up the rankings due to the rise in the Israeli currency, the shekel, “buoyed against the [US] dollar by Israel’s successful Covid-19 vaccine rollout,” which was one of the quickest in the world. The Israeli shekel was up 4% against the US dollar year-to-date early last month, which prompted prices on nearly one-tenth of goods to surge. Food and transportation costs were hit the hardest.

Last year’s leader – Paris – slipped to second, closely followed by Singapore. Among other cities in the most expensive top 10 are, in succession, Zurich, Hong Kong, New York, Geneva, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, and Osaka. Rome dropped the furthest in the rankings, amid a decline in prices for food and clothing.

The fastest-rising city is the Iranian capital, Tehran, which jumped 50 places to number 29, amid shortages and price increases due to US sanctions. Damascus, Syria was ranked the least expensive city in the survey.

Overall, the EIU survey shows that supply-chain bottlenecks, changes in consumer demand, and swings in currency exchange rates over the past year have increased the cost of living in many of the world’s largest cities, and analysts expect prices to rise further in the coming year. The largest increase was recorded in transportation, with the average price of gasoline per liter up by 21%.

Also, according to EIU figures, the inflation rate of the prices it tracked is currently the fastest recorded in the past five years, surging from 1.9% in 2020 to 3.5% year-on-year as of September 2021.

The EIU’s survey assessed the cost of living across 173 global cities and compared the prices of over 200 everyday products and services.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) renovated and equipped the Center for the Elderly of Nalaikh Municipality in Mongolia.

Established in 1988 to carry out social activities and organize various events for the elderly and help the elderly use their time more productively, the Center for the Elderly of Nalaikh Municipality could not provide adequate services due to wear and lack of equipment.

TİKA renovated and equipped the Center for the Elderly as part of the project it implemented upon the request of Nalaikh Municipality for support for the renovation of the center.

The opening ceremony held for the center was attended by Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia; Zulfikar Sarkıt, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection; Zafer Ateş, the Republic of Turkey’s Ambassador to Ulaanbaatar; Radnaabazar Choijinsambuu, Mayor of Nalaikh; Emrah Ustaömer, TİKA’s Coordinator in Ulaanbaatar; Narantuya Purevdorj, Chair of the Town Council of Nalaikh; and Otgonpurev Batsukh, Director of the Center for the Elderly in Nalaikh.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, stressed that the friendly relations between the Turkish and Mongolian people were centuries old and that the Republic of Turkey implemented projects all around Mongolia. Sainbuyan thanked the Republic of Turkey and TİKA for their support.

Otgonpurev Batsukh, Director of the Center for the Elderly, delivered a speech and stated that the building and equipment of the center were very old, that they requested TİKA’s support in this context, and that their request was fulfilled in a short time. Batsukh said he was happy that the elderly would have a modern building, and thanked the people of Turkey and TİKA.