OSCE strengthens Mongolia’s capacities to address corruption and money-laundering risks linked to virtual assets www.osce.org

A two-day OSCE workshop held on 13 and 14 November in Ulaanbaatar brought together 27 representatives of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC), the Financial Regulatory Commission, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other relevant agencies to enhance national capacities in addressing money-laundering risks associated with virtual assets and blockchain-based finance.
The event focused on practical aspects of compliance, supervision, and investigations involving virtual assets. Participants gained hands-on experience in using blockchain analytics tools and explored regulatory and institutional approaches to mitigating emerging risks. This included examining best practices for financial institutions in servicing virtual asset businesses, approaches to due diligence and on-chain transaction monitoring, and the importance of inter-agency co-operation and information exchange in combating illicit finance.
“We are supporting Mongolia in strengthening its regulatory and investigative capacities on virtual assets, helping to ensure a safer and more transparent financial environment for all,” noted Zurab Sanikidze, Senior Project Officer and Project Manager at the OSCE.
“Mongolia continues to take steps in the areas of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. This support is timely as the virtual asset field continues to evolve and present new challenges,” highlighted Jargalbaatar Chimeddorj, Head of the Investigation Unit and Senior Commissioner at the IAAC, in his opening remarks.
Discussions also addressed Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism  (AML/CFT) supervision of crypto firms under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement, and effective communication mechanisms for reporting and freezing crypto assets.
The workshop was organized by the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”. The project receives financial support from the Governments of Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

GDP per Worker Reaches MNT 6.2 Million www.montsame.mn

GDP per worker (at 2015 constant prices) reached MNT 6.2 million in the third quarter of 2025, an increase of MNT 252.9 thousand compared to the same period in 2024.
In particular, GDP per worker in the agriculture sector rose by MNT 584.2 thousand, the services sector by MNT 302.6 thousand, and the manufacturing and construction sector also recorded growth.
By contrast, GDP per worker in the mining and quarrying sector decreased by MNT 940.3 thousand.

This Wednesday is public holiday www.gogo.mn

This Wednesday, November 26, 2025, is a public holiday for Republic Day, the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the adoption of Mongolia’s first constitution on November 26, 1924. 
The holiday is observed under Mongolia’s Law on Public Holidays and Anniversaries; the day marks the country’s 1924 transition from a monarchy to a republic and the legal confirmation of major national democratic changes.

Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh www.qazinform.com

Michelle Joseph, the winner of the international vocal competition Silk Way Star, announced her intention to release a song in the Kazakh language, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh

Speaking at a press conference, the singer said she has already begun working on the song.
“I am already working on a Kazakh song. I truly love Kazakh culture, and the language is very beautiful — I want to learn it. From the very beginning, I thought about releasing a song in this language for my Kazakh listeners,” Michelle said.
Michelle also shared plans for a possible collaboration with Kazakhstan’s representative ALEM.
“If there is an opportunity to record a duet, it would be wonderful. I believe Mongolia and Kazakhstan have huge potential to cooperate in showcasing our cultures — not only through music but also cinema, entertainment and other creative spheres,” she added.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh
Phоtо credit: Sоltan Zhexenbekоv/ Kazinfоrm
She expressed gratitude to the contestants and members of the jury for the experience gained throughout the large-scale competition.
“I felt great during the finale, though a little sad that the project had come to an end. Still, I would love to take part again next year,” she noted.
It was also announced during the press conference that the next season of the Silk Way Star vocal project will be hosted in China.

War refugee Aonishiki becomes first Ukrainian to win sumo tournament www.japantimes.co.jp

Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn on Sunday became the first from his nation to win a tournament of the traditional Japanese sport.
The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago, won the Kyushu tournament after a tie-breaking victory over grand champion Hoshoryu from Mongolia.
Known by his ring name Aonishiki Arata and speaking fluent Japanese, he told fans at Fukuoka Kokusai Center in his televised victory interview that he was glad that he was able to show his usual performance.
"I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine," he said.
Yavhusishyn, who arrived in Japan three years ago after fleeing Ukraine, has climbed the sumo ranks at record speed.
The Japan Sumo Association will soon hold a special meeting to promote him to ozeki, the second highest ranking under yokozuna, or grand champion, NHK said.
He competed in the world junior sumo championships as a teenager but left Ukraine after Russia's February 2022 invasion.
He arrived in Japan two months later and made a blistering start to his career, reaching sumo's upper divisions in only a year and winning promotion to the fourth-highest rank.
Yavhusishyn was born in central Ukraine and took up sumo at the age of 7, becoming a national champion at 17.
His age meant he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older when war broke out and he sought refuge in Germany before moving to Japan.
His parents stayed in Germany and he arrived in Japan knowing nothing of the language.
Yavhusishyn became the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler when he made his debut in July 2023, following in the footsteps of compatriot Serhii Sokolovskyi, better known as Shishi.
Yavhusishyn's promotion to sumo's upper divisions was the fifth fastest since the current system of six tournaments a year was introduced in 1958.
The ambitious wrestler said he now has his sights set on reaching the top of the sumo hierarchy.
"I am happy (now) but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that," he said.

Mongolia Celebrates National Pride Day Honoring Chinggis Khaan www.montsame.mn

Mongolia celebrated National Pride Day on November 21, 2025, commemorating the 863rd Anniversary of the Birth of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan, with solemn state ceremonies and tributes in the capital.
The National flag was raised and the State Nine White Banners, a symbol of Mongolian soverignty, were honored on Sukhbaatar Square. The flag was hoisted by the Unit 032 of the Armed Forces together with the State Special Security Forces, while a brass band performed the national anthem.
President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav and Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Uchral Nyam-Osor paid tribute to the statue of Chinggis Khaan in front of the State Palace, honoring the nation’s founder whose legacy continues to inspire Mongolia’s unity and progress.
Marking the occasion, President Khurelsukh conferred the Order of Chinggis Khaan, Mongolia’s highest state decoration, upon distinguished figures. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to strengthening the independence, sovereignty, and national unity of Mongolia, advancing democratic and humanitarian values, fostering social progress, preserving and transmitting the traditions of statehood, history, and culture to future generations, and promoting these values worldwide.
In addition to the official ceremonies, the celebration included traditional wrestling competitions, gala concert, and a cultural exhibition highlighting Mongolian history and culture.
Since 2012, National Pride Day has been observed each year as a public holiday, marking the anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s birth, on the first day of the first winter month in the lunar calendar.

Mongolia launches new South–South Cooperation project to strengthen sustainable soil management www.fao.org

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI) of Mongolia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People's Republic of China, officially launched the project “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.” The initiative aims to strengthen Mongolia’s technical capacity in sustainable soil management and contribute to global efforts to protect and restore agricultural lands and soils.
Implemented under the FAO–China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, the project will enhance Mongolia’s soil laboratory capacity, promote good agricultural practices and facilitate knowledge exchange with partner countries. It will also support research on soil fertility and fertilizer management, the implementation of FAO’s Global Soil Doctor Programme and the adoption of innovative soil monitoring and mapping approaches in Mongolia.
Project document handover from .E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia to Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI
A shared commitment to healthier soils
“This project marks a new phase in FAO–Mongolia-China cooperation” said Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI. “Soil is the foundation of food, life, and livelihoods, yet over 30 percent of the world’s soils are degraded. Protecting Mongolia’s black soils is essential for food security and ecosystem balance”. He noted that the project will play a key role in supporting upcoming international initiatives hosted by Mongolia in 2026, including the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).
H.E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia, emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in safeguarding its soil resources. She noted that China has successfully protected more than 916 000 hectares of black soils and continues to share its experience and best practices through the FAO–China SSC Trust Fund, which has supported 36 projects in over 140 countries.
Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, underlined the global urgency: “Soil degradation affects one-third of the world’s soil resources. This project strengthens Mongolia’s capacity to act and will advance collective action for better soil health and resilient agrifood systems.
Mr Yahui Zhang, Senior Coordinator of FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, commended the collaboration between FAO, Mongolia and China noting that the technologies and experience gained through this FAO-China SSC could be shared and scaled up globally.
Ms. Qingyun Diao, FAO Representative in Mongolia, welcomed participants and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to “working closely with MoFALI and national research institutions to build technical capacity and promote sustainable soil management for a more resilient agrifood sector”.
Broad engagement and visibility
The event drew national media attention, with coverage by the Montsame News Agency and local Television Eagle News. Updates shared on FAO Mongolia and MoFALI social media channels.
The launch of the “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” project marks a renewed commitment by Mongolia, FAO and China to protect one of the planet’s most precious resources: soil. By fostering technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, the initiative will not only support Mongolia’s efforts to build a resilient agrifood system but also contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mongolia, South Korea Advance Bilateral Agenda www.montsame.mn

The Governments of Mongolia and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation at the 9th Intergovernmental Joint Committee Meeting in Ulaanbaatar on November 19, 2025.
Co-chaired by Byambatsogt Sandag, Minister and Chief of Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia, and Kim Jina, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Korea, the two sides held in-depth discussions spanning multiple areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, mineral resources, energy, road transport, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and civil service reform.
Industrial Projects
To advance economic diplomacy, both sides agreed to promote the participation of Korean enterprises in open tenders for major industrial development projects in Mongolia. These include forthcoming initiatives in steel smelting and copper processing – strategic priorities aligned with Mongolia’s long-term vision to expand its industrial base and attract foreign investment.
Trade Imbalance and Market Access
The Mongolian side highlighted the significant trade imbalance, noting that annual exports to Korea total just over USD 50 million, while imports exceed USD 500 million. To address this disparity, Mongolia emphasized the need to improve market access for its domestic products, particularly agricultural and livestock-based goods such as leather, wool, cashmere, and meat, under the proposed trade framework.
Visa Policy and Citizen Mobility
Minister Byambatsogt voiced concern over the visa barriers encountered by Mongolian citizens traveling to South Korea, urging both sides to find practical solutions. He specifically proposed exempting medical travelers from visa requirements and called for stronger protections for Mongolian nationals residing in Korea. “Unless practical steps are taken to resolve the visa challenges facing our citizens, Mongolia may need to consider reciprocal visa requirements for Korean nationals beginning in 2026,” he stated.  
Air Connectivity and Tourism Growth
The liberalization of air transport between Mongolia and South Korea has substantially enhanced bilateral connectivity. Weekly flight frequencies have increased from 7 to over 70, while average fares have declined from MNT 3 million to MNT 1 million. As a result, inbound tourism from Korea surged, with Mongolia receiving 180,000 Korean visitors in a single year, 2025.
At the end of the session, both sides agreed to take concrete steps on shared priorities and address key challenges, marking a meaningful step forward in the Mongolia-Korea strategic partnership and regional cooperation.

China’s Mongolian coal imports up 20% in Oct, Russian imports slip 18% www.brecorder.com

China’s imports of Mongolian coal rose 20% year-on-year in October, customs data showed on Thursday, as neighbouring Mongolia continued to benefit from lower Chinese output and higher prices.
Mongolia shipped 7.76 million metric tons of coal to China in October, according to the General Administration of Customs.
That was, however, down from September’s record-high volume of 9.29 million tons.
Coal from China’s three other main supplier countries fell year-on-year as China imported 10% less coal in October.
Russian imports saw the sharpest drop, falling 18% on the year to 6.79 million tons.

S.Korea-Mongolia joint committee meeting reaffirms mineral cooperation www.koreapost.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea announced that Vice Minister Kim Jin-ah held the 9th Korea-Mongolia Joint Committee meeting with Sandag Batjargal, Minister of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia, on November 19 in Ulaanbaatar to review the overall bilateral relationship.
Vice Minister Kim emphasized that the Korea-Mongolia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) provides a foundation for expanding economic cooperation across various sectors and called for active support to address challenges faced by Korean companies operating in Mongolia.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in mineral resources, including rare metals, and agreed to combine Mongolia’s abundant resources with Korea’s refining and processing technologies to realize mutually beneficial cooperation models. In particular, through the upcoming Korea-Mongolia Rare Metals Cooperation Center, scheduled to open by the end of this year, the two countries will maintain close communication to steadily expand practical collaboration in mineral processing and technology exchange.
Additionally, the two countries agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges through visa and consular cooperation as well as the operation of the employment permit system.
On the same day, Vice Minister Kim also met with Batmunkh Battsengel, Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to reaffirm the strategic development intentions of bilateral relations and to strengthen cooperation on practical projects and global issues through expanded high-level communication.
출처 : The Korea Post(http://www.koreapost.com)