A number of documents provide evidences that since the Hun, Tureg, and Uigur empires, the Mongols have utilized coinage in trade. Upon establishing the unified Mongol Empire, Chinggis Khan introduced gold and silver coins called Sukhes and later, in the year of 1227, introduced the world's first paper money /banknote/ into circulation. This proves that Chinggis Khan effectively used the role of trade and money exchanges when holding the nation's political, economic, and cultural systems under strong centralized power.

As early as 1236, Mongols implemented "currency reform" by invalidating coins of various shapes, weights and values and melting them into new coins with equal weights and values. Paper currency and coins were issued in large amounts, and in 1253 the Monetary Division was established and conducted money circulation in manners such that resembles modern financial intermediaries.

Initially, the coins of the period were not labeled with specific numeric values. However, later, in 1241 coins entitled "The Currency of the Great Mongol Empire" were issued with "1" engraved on them.

During the reign of Kublai Khan, the "Deposit Bank" was established in Khar-Khorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire, in the year 1260 and banknotes with values of 10, 20, 100, and 1000 were introduced into circulation. Later, in 1282, other branches of the bank were opened in other commercial centers.

As the monetary system underwent further developments, the reform of existing banknotes was made in 1280.

In addition, in the year 1327, the banknote distraction unit, which was responsible for nullification of worn banknotes, was established and it required a necessary presence of province official during the process.

During the reign of the successive Mongol emperors golden, silver and other type of coins and banknotes have been issued into money circulation more than 100 times.

Such high economic, cultural, and scientific achievements of the Mongol people were sadly left in oblivion under the centuries of long oppression of the Qing Dynasty. Only in 1921, following the victory of the People's Revolution, newly independent Mongolia regained the chance to restore its own monetary system. At that time Mongolia lacked an efficient financial system and the currency of Russia and China, gold and silver coins issued in England, in the US, or in Mexico, silver blocks, Chinese or Manchu silver blocks called Yumbuu, yaks, camels, horses, other livestock, tea, and fur were functioning as medium of exchange; thus, inevitably hindering the efficiency of the exchange system and the economy.

Following the Revolution that took place in such conditions, the People's Government systematically carried out numerous important measures directed at reforming and stabilizing the nation's political and economic systems, one of which was the establishment and development of the financial system.

During the beginning period of the revolution, there were several efforts of financial reforms or for example, in March 1921, foundation of the national financial system was laid, and in June 2, 1924, the Mongolian Trade and Industrial Bank (which became The Bank of Mongolia later, in 1954) was established as a Soviet-Mongolian joint venture.

Although the national financial system and bank were established, difficulties still emerged against conducting and implementing monetary and loan policy due to the absence of national currency and numerous foreign monetary units, that were circulating on domestic markets.

One of the most important measures administered by the post-revolution government was creation of national currency. In order to do so, immediate regulation and standardization of money in circulation were required; and as a result, in August 1921, "lan" was introduced as a temporary monetary unit to function as a medium of exchange.

One lan was equal to one Chinese silver Yanchaan, 1.42 Russian gold coin, and two lans were equal to one Russian paper currency.

The deposit and loan are directly linked to the national money, and in order to understand the financial system, it is essential to know the nature of money, its role and functions.

The issue of creating own national currency was raised before the government since the first day of the revolution victory.

During the years that followed the Revolution, Mongolia advanced immensely in the political and economic realms. Mongolia's Trade and Industrial Bank grew stronger, expanded its gold reserves, assets, and clientele. The Bank's rising influence on the nation's economy paved the road to further reforms of improving money transactions and introducing the national currency.

In August 1924, Mongolian People Revolutionary Party's (MPRP) Third Meeting discussed the activities of the Bank of Mongolia and stress on the importance of " a release of a currency backed by silver standard into circulation." The Resolution of First Meeting of Mongolian People's Republic stated that the use of foreign currency was harmful to the national economy; thus, it was vital to establish a national currency.

Mongolian People's Government released a historic currency reform act on February 22, 1925. The act stated:

The Mongolian Trade and Industrial Bank possesses a unitary right to issue currency into circulation

The notes released from the Trade and Industrial Bank are to be issued in currency units called Togrogs, with numeric values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100

The currency shall be fully backed by other things with implicit values. At minimum, 25% must be backed by precious metal, and 75% by goods with high liquidity.

In this way, it has been 77 years since the first 200100 Togrogs were issued into circulation on December of 1925. Banknotes were introduced into circulation along with 900 probes silver coins weighted 18 grams, which was called "Togrog". It was not appropriate if only silver coins were introduced into circulation because of difficulties related with storing and transportation of this heavy metal.

Togrog was initially released into circulation through payroll, and gradually, all expenses of state enterprises began to be noted in the budget report in Togrogs.

Immediately after its release into circulation, Togrog faced severe protests from foreign currencies. From the foreign currencies circulating on the markets, the currencies with relatively small market share were successfully pulled out of the exchange system within a short period of time.

However, Chinese yanchaan, due to its large quantity and market role, continued to function as a legal medium of exchange and as a standard of value for the state revenue-and-expense reports, banks' and other enterprises' financial statements throughout the early period of Togrog issuance.

Obtaining acceptability for the new paper currency at the time when people were accustomed to using metal money and had lost faith in depreciating paper currencies of Russia and China was to be troublesome. As of 1925, there were over 20 million foreign banknotes were circulating on the hands of Mongolian and foreign consumers and firms.

From the start when Togrog was issued into circulation, a stark competition arouse between Mongolian Togrog and Chinese yanchaan.

Because the monetary reform was considered to be a revolutionary act conducted in the interest of Mongolian people, the new currency eventually received keen support from the people.

Both the Government and the Central Bank vigorously prepared for the issuance of the new currency, and were promoting benefits of the new currency to the public, paying special attention to the process of monetary reform, as the results of other economic reforms were to directly depend on the successes of this venture.

As Togrog competed against yanchaan on the markets, yanchaan's rate depreciated, and Togrog's purchasing power rose. Subsequently, Togrog's reputation, as well as its market weight, increased substantially and the 1:0.88 rate against yanchaan rose to 1:1 by the end of 1926. This showed the successful entrance of the new currency into the nation's exchange system and that it attained complete dominance on the domestic markets.

As the new currency entered circulation, foreign currency equivalent to 6.8 million yanchaan was ousted from the transaction system, which was a big shock for the foreign currency transactions.

Starting from 1927, all of Mongolia's institutions and enterprises were using Togrog as a standard of value in preparing budget reports, financial statements, and tax returns and labeling prices, completely forced Chinese yanchaan out from domestic transactions.

While implementing the monetary reform (1926-1927), the Bank of Mongolia's precious metal reserves rose by 4.2 times.

Because of changes occurred at the international market during the period from 1925 to 1927 such as a fall of silver price on world markets and the demand increase for gold, in order to maintain stability of Togrog, State Baga Khural resolved to put Togrog on gold standard starting from April 15, 1928, basing on the gold and foreign reserves held at the Bank of Mongolia.

By doing so, the People's Republic of Mongolia's national currency "Togrog" landed on a firm foundation to become a stable and reliable currency. By August 1, 1928, Togrog was officially put on gold standard and equaled 51.8 US cents.

This, in theory, completed the monetary reform process, with the successful entrance of Togrog as the legal and strong monetary unit.

Due to the reform related systematic measures implemented by the Government in 1924-1928, British, American, and other foreign traders, as well as large firms from China, were driven out of the Mongolia's domestic market.

The successful implementation of the currency reform and the introduction of a national currency had immense political and economic benefits. For instance: the Bank of Mongolia had exclusive right to issue currencies into circulation unstable and unreliable foreign currencies were completely forced out of the domestic exchange system; thus, preventing foreigners trading with valueless currencies and purchasing goods at unfair prices; price level was stabilized throughout the country and the chaotic system of random pricing was dismantled to ensure the centrally-determined prices and further decline in prices; provided an opportunity to make advanced central planning of state enterprises' budget provided a chance to reform the financial system, gradually regulate all state institutions, and allow them to transfer into self-financed organizations; by having the national currency dominate Mongolia's retail and distribution markets, supplied the Government with a powerful weapon to protect the nation's economic independence.

Thus, the national currency "Togrog" successfully served all stages of economic activity and industrial development, fully performing all the internationally accepted functions of money: medium of exchange, standard of value, and store of wealth.

In order to expand and mend the Central Bank's currency fund, Togrog was printed and newly issued into circulation in 1939, 1941, 1955, and 1996. The numbers and letter of the paper currency issued at the beginning were printed in old Mongolian script and it was created with the numeric values of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100. The 25, 50, and 100.

Togrog notes, issued in 1925, carried the signatures of Mikilman, the head of the Central Bank at that time, members Amar, Shigunov, Bat-Ochir, Dugar, and the accountant Bolshakov.Other smaller notes had the signatures of Mikilman, Amar, Shigunov, and Bolshakov.

In 1939, without changing the size, Sukhbaatar's portrait was added to all banknotes and they were printed in old Mongolian script, and 2-Togrog notes were replaced with 3-Togrog notes. In 1941, some numbers and letters of the Togrog were printed in Cyrillic letters with no changes in the size, color, and patterns, and in 1955 the Togrog notes were enlarged and entire print was in Cyrillic letters. To make Togrog more convenient to use, in 1966, the notes were made smaller, maintaining the same rate, but appearing with a wholly different color, picture, and patterns. The latter issue can still be accepted. Upon the release of the 1966 currency into circulation, all previously issued notes were pulled out of circulation within a short period of time through changing them by the new ones. However, the rate remained the same. In 1981 and 1983, the banknotes were printed with the same design and in 1981 new 20 Togrog banknote was added to the circulation.

The notes printed in 1925, 1939, 1941, 1955 did not contain specific security elements designed to protect from counterfeit; only the paper, picture, and patterns were of a unique design befitting a currency note. However, 1996 issue banknote paper has watermark depicting "ulzii" ornament and it was made of 3/5 cotton, 2/5 synthetic, fiber and other materials. Thus, when it is magnified, red, blue and other colored fibers can be seen.

Each new Togrog banknotes of the 1993 series vary by its color and size. 500, 1000, 5000, 10000 Togrog notes have portrait of Chinggis Khaan when 10, 20, 50 and 100 Togrog notes have portrait of Sukhbaatar. In addition, pictures reflecting natural beauty, historical events of Mongolia, State flag, the Emblem "soyombo" and national ornaments are included in the 1993 series notes. New series notes are printed using 100 percent cotton paper, and in order to protect from counterfeiting, they have various security features such as watermark, see-through register, micro lettering, latent images to be seen in ultra and phosphorescent light, intaglio printing, anti-scanner and anti-copying line structures. New 10000-togrog banknote of 2000 year' issue has the latest security "holographic patch" feature. All 1993 series notes have facsimile letter (signature) of Mr.Molomjamts, the former Governor of the Bank of Mongolia. Facsimile letter of Mr.J.Unenbat, the successor of Mr.D.Molomjamts appear on 1000 Togrog banknotes reprinted in 1998. All banknotes issued after 2000 have facsimile letters of the current Governor, Mr.O.Chuluunbat.

The 1925, 1937, 1945 coins were made in the Soviet Union; in 1959, coins were made in China; and since 1970, coins began to be made in Mongolia annually based on the public demand.

The 1925 coins labeled with 10, 15, 20, and 50 and the 1937 coins labeled with 10, 15, and 20 were made of pure silver. In 1959, coins valued at 1, 2, 5 were made of aluminum with a whole in the middle.

Currently, the coins from 1970 and on are used in transactions.

Depository institutions determine the acceptability of banknotes and coins. Worn or aged notes are transferred to the Central Bank, where they are destroyed by special technique under the supervision of a special committee. Since 1970, 1-Togrog coins entered into circulation with eight kinds of illustrations engraved on them such as Marx, Sukhbaatar, national symbol, cosmos, etc. With the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence, limited amount of 1-Togrog white coins were made. For the Central Bank's 50th anniversary 10-Togrog coins were also made in small amount.

Following the example of other countries, the Central Bank of Mongolia has also issued coins equivalent to 20, 50, 100, and 200 Togrogs in 1996. The 200-Togrog coin is engraved with the Government building, the 100-Togrog coin is with the Janraiseg temple, 20 and 50-Togrog coins are with their respective number-values. In 2001, due to the 81st anniversary of the People's Revolution, a 500-Togrog coin engraved with Sukhbaatar's portrayal was released into circulation.

The national currency, created in 1925, has participated firmly and reliably in the economic lives of Mongolian institutions and citizens, and been a vital instrument for the success and growth of the financial system.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a floral basket from U. Khurelsukh, president of Mongolia, on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, reported KCNA.

The floral basket was handed over to an official concerned by the charge d’affaires ad interim of the Mongolian embassy in North Korea on 7 September.

North Korea is expected to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the country on 9 September.

Ambassador of China to Mongolia Chai Wenrui is preparing to return to his homeland after ending his term. He was appointed as a head of Chinese diplomat mission in Mongolia on 2020.

Born in 1963, Chai Wenrui worked as a Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Zamiin-Uud between 2015 and 2019.

Ambassador Chai Wenrui worked for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and China.

Inking a Historic Memorandum of Cooperation: Mongolia and Laos Enhance Diplomatic Relations

In a historic move for diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Laos, Mongolian Parliament Speaker Zandanshatar Gombojav and Laotian National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane have inked a Memorandum of Cooperation. This memorandum marks the latest stage in an ongoing effort to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Striving for a Unified Diplomatic Vision

The signed Memorandum of Cooperation creates an avenue for interparliamentary discussion, fostering cooperation and diplomatic knowledge sharing amongst the law-making bodies of both nations. The aim is to enhance mutual understanding and create a unified, progressive diplomatic vision for bilateral relations. This memorandum lays a foundation for future joint initiatives and paves the way towards further cooperation on pressing international matters.

Building on a Shared History

Mongolia and Laos, in the past, have demonstrated a cooperative spirit and solidarity, which serves as a basis for this Memorandum. The two nations are linked by a shared history of striving for sovereignty and development amidst a global backdrop of shifting political tides. This latest diplomatic venture aims to reaffirm these shared roots and create a shared vision for future growth and prosperity.

Expanding Economic Channels

On the economic front, this Memorandum provides a platform to explore new avenues for trade and investment. Both nations have unique strengths and opportunities, which hold the potential for a higher degree of economic integration. In the spirit of mutual benefit and equitable growth, the Memorandum seeks to enhance economic cooperation and promote opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding

Culture represents the soul of a nation. As part of this Memorandum, Mongolia and Laos are envisaged to open channels for cultural exchange, diversifying the scope of their relationship beyond political and economic aspects. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and respect, harnessing the power of culture to bring people closer together and nurture shared values.

Pivoting Towards a Collaborative Future

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Parliament of Mongolia and the National Assembly of Laos signifies their joint commitment to a bilateral partnership defined by close political coordination, enhanced economic integration, and mutual cultural understanding. As nations that deeply respect the principles of peaceful coexistence, equality, and respect for sovereignty, Mongolia and Laos are charting new pathways for cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

While the road to genuine and effective collaboration may be riddled with challenges, the signing of this Memorandum reaffirms the shared intent of both nations to overcome hindrances together and foster a future defined by shared success.

BY MAMOON ALVI

Mamoon Alvi serves as an integral part of our global newsroom team. With a strong background in international news from his time at both BOL TV and Dharti TV, he came on board at BNN well-prepared to contribute. Mamoon's unwavering dedication to journalism drives him to relentlessly pursue the truth and deliver crucial stories to audiences around the world.

A feasibility study for the construction of a sewage sludge recycling plant in Ulaanbaatar is under progress. During the Ulaanbaatar-International Investment and Partnership Forum last April in Ulaanbaatar, the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Keumgang Corporation of the Republic of Korea, and Ulaanbaatar Development Corporation JSC signed a tripartite memorandum. Following the memorandum "Keumgang-Three ENC" Corporation of South Korea is committed to providing funding for the development of the feasibility study for the construction of the sewage sludge recycling plant.

Chief Executive Officer of Ulaanbaatar Development Corporation JSC Bayarchimeg Nanzad and Head of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Ts. Turkhuu took part in the launching of the feasibility study and got acquainted with the operation of the Seonam wastewater treatment plant, which treats the wastewater of a large part of Seoul, South Korea, reports the Press and Public Communication Department of the Capital City Governor’s Office.

It was mutually agreed to secure KRW90 million from the United Association of Korean Groups and KRW 210 million from the "Keumgang-Three ENC" corporation, and the parties signed the agreement on July 28, 2023.

Mongolia moved up 18 places in the United Nations E-Government Development Index. At the 8th Open Government Partnership Global Summit held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, the Government of Mongolia was awarded the "Open Governance Award" and the results of its digitization were highly appreciated.

During the working visit of the Minister of Digital Development and Communications N. Uchral to Estonia, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications B. Battsetseg and the Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Board at the Estonian e-Governance Academy Hannes Astok signed an agreement, thus launching the 2nd stage of digitization cooperation with the e-Governance Academy. In the framework of the consulting services cooperation, it was mutually agreed to distribute digital signatures to every citizen, digitize business permits, develop e-Business solutions, and introduce the good practice of "e-Resident" platform of Estonia.

In 2019, the Government of Mongolia and the Estonian e-Governance Academy signed a cooperation agreement. By receiving consulting services for the creation of a legal framework to support e-development and the introduction of the E-Mongolia platform, over 1000 government services were introduced, and E-Mongolia 3.0 version was presented to the public this year. The Parliament approved four package laws and over 60 regulations to support digital development, reports the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications.

E-Mongolia launched in 2020 and was developed based on the existing “KHUR” – state information exchange system, that aims to bring intergovernmental coordination to a new level and facilitate the access of public services to citizens. It was designed in consultation with engineers, representatives from government officials, civil society and the private sector.

As of May 2023, E-Mongolia provided a total of 28 million services from 81 government institutions. Out of all adults, 72% of Mongolian citizens use the system. People without access to the internet can visit any “Khurdan” 42 centers located in aimags or 44 centers in Ulaanbaatar. The digital transition has saved citizens USD 27 million in indirect costs by transferring government services to digital form, transportation related fees, time saved, and document preparation related costs.

Bow and arrow at his side, horseback archer Don Woods would not look out of place in a medieval battlefield — but it is a far cry from his home on a station north of Cooktown, in far north Queensland.

It is also a long way from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, where he is competing for the first time at the 2023 International Horse Archery Alliance (IHAA) World Championships, which started this week and run until September 10.

After a series of delays and setbacks arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's IHAA event has attracted more than 50 competitors from 20 countries

Horseback archery is exactly what it sounds like — athletes shoot arrows at targets up to 50 metres away, aiming for precision, speed, good form and a bullseye.

All while riding a 700-odd-kilogram animal, of course.

Practising in a paddock with his horse Betty, Mr Woods said it was an honour to be chosen for the world stage.

"Pretty epic really," he said.

"It's a completely different ball game – Mongolians basically invented the sport; it was a way of life for them in the past.

"It's a matter of going over to basically the best."

Also headed for Mongolia is New South Wales woman Liberty Deaman, who along with her partner Rodney and daughter Amelia, makes up the rest of Australia's world championship team.

The rider, who is based in Tarago, in the Southern Tablelands, said the family had been involved in the sport for 10 years.

"The love and the passion for the sport has grown since then," she said.

Riders champing at the bit for return

The first horseback archery world championships were held in Hungary in 2018.

Initially envisioned as a biennial event, the last world title was scheduled to be held in France but the pandemic brought all events to a halt in 2020.

Ms Deaman said it had taken years to get back to full capacity, with the second world championships finally underway in Mongolia this week.

"It was pretty heartbreaking at the time," she said.

"In Australia, we did wind up having to cease pretty much all competition and training across the country, which was a bit unfortunate.

"[We] lost the opportunity for a number of people to become interested in the sport.

young man holding a bow with quiver of arrows on his back holding the reins of a brown horse

"Which is a big disappointment for our community."

But she was delighted that this year had seen state, national and international competitions charge ahead at full speed.

"Oh, it's fantastic," she said.

"The fact that we're able to start to share this sport with people around the place is really special and really important to me."

Weaving fantasy, thrill and skill

For Mr Woods, the love of archery was born out of his childhood dreams.

"Most little boys go through the Robin Hood stage," he said.

"I got my first bow on my ninth Christmas and I remember the excitement … after that there was no real stopping me!"

Five years ago he combined it with his love of horse riding.

"I haven't looked back since," he said.

Riding his horse Betty along a fenced strip in a paddock, and shooting at three home-made targets, he said the sport is about speed and focus.

"It's certainly not what I'd describe as a slow sport," he said.

"You have to be completely focused on the target.

"There's simply the bow and the target; and of course, the horse underneath you but just sort of hoping they do as you ask."

For Ms Deaman the skill of the sport is a drawcard.

"The complexity of riding a horse without holding onto the reins whilst shooting a bow and arrow at pace is something that a lot of people find quite interesting and exciting," she said.

"It has grounding in many countries … and so there's history that goes back in terms of hunting and sport.

"Horse archery is quite a diverse and dynamic sport."

Widening the target

Other riders are starting to take notice.

Pony Club Australia recognised the discipline two years ago and the organisation's Sally Wiseman said it was giving young riders options beyond show jumping, dressage and cross-country.

"Because it's very tactical with your bow and arrow, it really has diversified the offering for our members," she said.

"It's been very, very popular with the kids."

Far north Queenslander Selena Harding runs clinics for the keen pony clubbers.

She also competes — she and colleague Brian McCarthy have also just taken part in Mongolia's national horseback archery event.

She said the sport was accessible to a whole range of people.

"It doesn't matter what age you are, if you've got the dexterity to be able to hold a bow and arrow," she said.

"It's just really addictive to see how you can get better, how you can get faster.

"It's all about fun."

Pope Francis said he knows people wonder why he traveled close to 6,000 miles to Mongolia to visit a Catholic community of only 1,450 people.

"Because it is precisely there, far from the spotlight, that we often find the signs of the presence of God, who does not look at appearances, but at the heart," he told thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square for his weekly general audience Sept. 6.

Following his usual practice of speaking about a trip at the first audience after his return, the pope said that during his Sept. 1-4 stay the country's capital, Ulaanbaatar, he encountered "a humble and joyful church, which is in the heart of God," but one that was excited to find itself at the center of the universal church's attention for a few days.

"I have been to the heart of Asia, and it has done me good," the pope said.

The missionaries who arrived in Mongolia in 1992 "did not go there to proselytize," the pope said. "They went to live like the Mongolian people, to speak their language, the language of the people, to learn the values of that people and to preach the Gospel in a Mongolian style, with Mongolian words."

The universality of the Catholic Church, he said, is not something that "homogenizes" the faith.

"This is catholicity: an embodied universality, which embraces the good where it is found and serves the people with whom it lives," the pope said. "This is how the church lives: bearing witness to the love of Jesus meekly, with life before words, happy with its true riches, which are service to the Lord and to our brothers and sisters."

The Catholic Church recognizes God at work in the world and in other people, he said. Its vision, and its heart, is as expansive as the sky over the Mongolian steppe.

The international group of missionaries working in Mongolia have discovered "the beauty already there," he said. "I, too, was able to discover something of this beauty" by meeting people, listening to their stories and "appreciating their religious quest."

"Mongolia has a great Buddhist tradition, with many people who live their religiosity in a sincere and radical way, in silence, through altruism and mastery of their own passions," the pope said. "Just think of how many hidden seeds of goodness make the garden of the world flourish, while we usually only hear about the sound of falling trees!"

People naturally notice the noisy and scandalous, the pope said, but Christians must try to discern and recognize what is good in others and in the world around them.

"Only in this way, starting from the recognition of what is good, can we build a common future," he said. "Only by valuing others can we help them improve."

Francis said one thing that was very clear was how the Mongolian people "cherish their roots and traditions, respect the elderly and live in harmony with the environment."

"Thinking of the boundless and silent expanses of Mongolia, let us be stirred by the need to extend the confines of our gaze -- please, extend the confines, look wide and high, look and don't fall prisoner to little things," the pope said. That is the only way "to see the good in others and be able to broaden our horizons and also to broaden our hearts to understand and to be close to every people and every civilization."

Mongolia plans to open an embassy in Uzbekistan this year. The issue was discussed at a meeting between Foreign Ministers of the two countries Battsetseg Batmunkh and Bakhtiyor Saidov in March 2023.

After discussing the issue of opening the Embassy of Mongolia in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, it was decided to hold consultations with the relevant permanent commission of the Parliament of Mongolia.

The concurrent embassy of Mongolia has been located in Astana since 2018, and the concurrent embassy of Uzbekistan has been located in Beijing.

Citizens of Mongolia are able to enter Uzbekistan for 30 days starting from February 1, 2019, and citizens of Uzbekistan from June 3, 2022.