Mongolia signs €17 million loan to upgrade Ulaanbaatar power grid www.gogo.mn

Mongolia and Germany have signed a €17 million concessional loan agreement aimed at reinforcing the reliability of the power grid in the central region of Ulaanbaatar, a project set to secure stable electricity for more than 11,000 consumers.

The funding will support Phase III of the "Project to Improve the Efficiency of the Central Region Power Transmission and Distribution Network." Under this initiative, development plans include constructing a brand-new substation and a double-circuit cable line in the 1st khoroo of Sukhbaatar district, alongside the comprehensive expansion and modernization of the existing Tuul Substation.

Financed through Germany's KfW Development Bank, the infrastructure upgrades will directly enhance the operational capacity and resilience of the capital's core distribution network. The project is expected to stabilize the power supply across 14 khoroos spanning the Sukhbaatar, Chingeltei, Bayangol, Khan-Uul, and Bayanzurkh districts. Crucially, the modernization will safeguard uninterrupted energy access for vital healthcare institutions, including the First State Hospital, the Second State Hospital, and Urgoo Maternity Hospital.

The official signing ceremony was attended by Mongolian Minister of Finance Z.Mendsaikhan, B.Nyamsambuu, Executive Director of the National Power Transmission Grid JSC, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia, Helmut Kulitz, alongside representatives from the KfW Development Bank.

During the event, Minister Z.Mendsaikhan commended the long-standing and highly effective development cooperation between Mongolia and Germany across the energy, environment, education, and healthcare sectors. He expressed deep gratitude to the German Government and KfW for their sustained financial and strategic support in driving forward essential reforms across Mongolia's energy infrastructure.

PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Uchral www.montsame.mn

Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Wang Yi, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Uchral Nyam-Osor, on June 15, 2026.

Prime Minister Uchral expressed his satisfaction with the successful development of Mongolia-China relations and cooperation at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing Mongolia's commitment to steadily expanding and developing cooperation between the two countries in all sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted that developing good-neighborly, friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with the PRC is a top priority of Mongolia's foreign policy. He also recalled that Mongolia considers issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet as the internal affairs of the PRC and has consistently adhered to the "One China" principle.

The Prime Minister noted that Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to Mongolia is understood as part of preparations for the upcoming visit of President Xi Jinping to Mongolia. The Prime Minister expressed auspicious regard for the fact that this meeting coincides with President Xi Jinping's birthday.

The two sides held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues. This included aligning the development strategies and goals of both nations to accelerate joint development, implementing the target agreed upon by the Heads of State to increase bilateral trade to USD 20 billion, supporting infrastructure development and transport logistics, and increasing port throughput capacity. They also discussed diversifying the trade structure to boost Mongolia's agricultural exports, deepening cooperation in mineral resources, energy (including the renewable energy sector), and green development, and implementing large-scale regional infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Uchral introduced the "Erkh chuluunii durvun zam: Durvun chuluulult" (Four Roads of Freedom: Four Liberalizations) policy, which he initiated during his tenure as the Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament). In this context, he expressed a desire to diversify the trade structure between the two countries, facilitate border customs and quarantine inspections, and foster the initiatives and cooperation of private sector enterprises in both nations. He further noted that the Government of Mongolia maintains a policy to increase foreign investment, aiming to advance planned projects such as a steel manufacturing complex, a copper plant, and aluminum production powered by renewable energy.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for supplying vaccines in connection with the outbreak of the highly infectious animal foot-and-mouth disease in Mongolia's western provinces, and for expressing support for the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be hosted in Ulaanbaatar this August.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed pleasure in meeting with Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor and conveyed greetings from Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the PRC. He emphasized that as permanent neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, it is vital for China and Mongolia to assist each other and develop mutually beneficial cooperation for a bright future.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that maintaining the continuity and stability of China's policy toward Mongolia, strengthening bilateral political mutual trust, and correctly defining the direction of development will add momentum to advancing cooperation in all areas. He expressed that China prioritizes its relations with its permanent neighbor, Mongolia, and is committed to sharing the fruits of development and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness."

Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that the economies of China and Mongolia are highly complementary. To further boost trade beyond current levels, he mentioned the possibility of establishing Free Zones and increasing the capacity of qualified border ports, affirming China's readiness to work together toward loftier goals in trade expansion, as reported by the Government Media and Public Relations Department.

55 Eurasian museum directors convene in Ulaanbaatar for the First International Conference www.gogo.mn

The Chinggis Khaan National Museum is set to host the First International Conference of Eurasian Museums, a major cultural diplomacy initiative taking place on June 15-20. Held under the patronage of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the conference is themed "The Eurasian Exchange: Future Gateways and Cooperation" and will gather 55 prominent museum directors from over 20 countries.

On June 12, organizers from the Office of the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum briefed the press, outlining the summit's strategic importance. The landmark gathering aims to build new international alliances in museum collaboration, cultural heritage preservation, digital innovation, collections management, and educational outreach across the Eurasian continent.

According to organizers, the conference closely aligns with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) 2026 global slogan, "Museums Uniting a Divided World." The theme underscores the critical role cultural institutions play in bridging geopolitical divides and fostering international dialogue, mutual understanding, and peace.

Academician S.Chuluun, Director of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, emphasized that hosting the leaders of Eurasia's top museums marks a first for Mongolia. He noted that the forum presents an unprecedented opportunity not only for the host institution but for all Mongolian museums to expand foreign cooperation, study global best practices, enrich their collections, and organize joint international exhibitions. S.Chuluun also highlighted the long-term economic benefits, stating the initiative will significantly boost cultural tourism and attract valuable investment to the nation's heritage sector.

B.Sergelen, Advisor to the President of Mongolia on Cultural and Religious Policy, described the forum as a new chapter in Mongolia's cultural diplomacy. Spearheaded by the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and supported by museum leaders across Europe and Asia, the initiative actively advances the cultural and humanitarian objectives outlined in the President's policy program through the targeted use of soft power.

Further reinforcing the state's strategic commitment to cultural development, B.Davaatseren, Head of the Cultural Heritage Department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, reiterated the government's continued focus on the sector. Following the adoption of a dedicated, independent law on museums in 2021, B.Davaatseren stated that state investments in cultural institutions have steadily increased year over year, aimed at improving operational frameworks and enriching content formats for the public.

By initiating this vast interdisciplinary forum, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum is creating a dynamic new space for regional collaboration. Throughout the week, visiting international directors will deliver presentations, engage in specialized discussions, and lay the groundwork for future joint museum projects, marking the largest gathering of Eurasian cultural leaders in Mongolia's history.

China expects FM Wang Yi’s visit to steadily advance China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership: FM spokesperson www.globaltimes.cn

At the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit Mongolia from June 13 to 15, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Thursday.

At a regular press conference on Thursday, when asked to brief on Wang's visit to Mongolia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that during the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with Mongolian leader and hold talks with Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh. The two sides will communicate on bilateral ties, practical cooperation, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. 

China and Mongolia are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. Under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, China-Mongolia relations have maintained sound momentum of growth. China expects this visit to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two nations and steadily advance the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, Lin said.

By Global Times

The United States Extends Child Protection Compact Partnership with Mongolia Through 2028 www.mn.usembassy.gov

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — The United States and Mongolia are strengthening their partnership to combat child trafficking through an extension of the United States–Mongolia Child Protection Compact (CPC), reaffirming both countries’ commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the rule of law.

Since the signing of the CPC on April 2, 2020, the United States and Mongolia have worked collaboratively to prevent child trafficking, improve victim protection services, enhance investigations and prosecutions, and strengthen national child protection systems. Through this partnership, the United States has provided $6.5 million in assistance through World Vision and The Asia Foundation to support implementation of CPC objectives across Mongolia.

Recognizing the significant progress achieved under the Compact and the shared commitment of both governments to ending child trafficking, the United States plans to provide an additional $2.25 million in funding, bringing the total to $8.75 million in funding, and extend CPC activities through 2028.

Over the past six years, the CPC has supported the development of stronger national systems and institutional capacities, including multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking coordination mechanisms, child-friendly interviewing and protection services, improved victim identification and case management, border protection measures, cybercrime investigation capabilities, trauma-informed care, forensic interviewing practices, and nationwide training programs for child protection and law enforcement professionals.

The extension will focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of these achievements by supporting government ownership and institutionalization of key anti-trafficking measures. Priority areas include maintaining a government-led multi-disciplinary task force, implementing approved standards and procedures, expanding child-friendly service spaces, strengthening victim data systems, conducting annual anti-trafficking reviews and prosecution workshops, enhancing border monitoring and online detection capabilities, and sustaining professional training through national e-learning platforms.

This partnership reflects a shared recognition that child trafficking causes lasting harm to victims, undermines public safety and the rule of law, fuels corruption and organized crime, and threatens the well-being of communities. By working together, the United States and Mongolia are helping ensure that children are protected from exploitation and that victims receive the support and services they need.

The United States encourages the Government of Mongolia to continue implementing sustainability measures that will preserve and expand the progress achieved under the CPC beyond the life of the agreement. Strong national ownership will be essential to ensuring that trafficking in persons prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership efforts remain effective and enduring.

The United States commends the Government of Mongolia for its dedication to combating trafficking in persons and looks forward to continued collaboration under the Child Protection Compact to protect children and strengthen justice and accountability for years to come.

Mongolia and Turkey exchanged views on expanding bilateral relations www.open.kg

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Ochirbat Nyam-Osor, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia, Başak Genç Yüksel, during which issues of bilateral cooperation and relations between the countries were discussed.

Ochirbat noted that the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with Turkey, which is one of Mongolia's key "third neighbors," is among the priorities of the country's foreign policy. He emphasized that the transition to strategic partnership has opened new horizons in the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Başak Genç Yüksel confirmed Turkey's readiness to strengthen the strategic partnership, based on long-term friendly ties with Mongolia, as well as to promote cooperation in various socio-economic areas.

The parties noted that Mongolian-Turkish relations are actively developing on the international stage as well. The ambassador reported Turkey's readiness to participate at a high level in the celebration of World Horse Day, scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar from July 11 to 13, as well as in the COP17 conference, which will be held in the capital of Mongolia from August 17 to 26, 2026.

Mongolia: Strengthening agriculture through sustainable finance www.hortidaily.com

Agriculture lies at the heart of Mongolia's economy, culture and rural livelihoods. From herders moving cattle across vast rangelands to greenhouse producers growing fresh food in a harsh climate, agriculture remains a cornerstone of food security, employment and resilience.

At the same time, agriculture is among the sectors most exposed to climate change, land degradation and productivity constraints.

For the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supporting Mongolia's agribusiness sector is, therefore, both an economic imperative and a climate priority. Through its Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), the EBRD – together with its donors, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Japan – is helping Mongolia's agriculture sector to grow.

Globally, food systems account for more than 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, yet climate investment in food systems remains far below what is needed to meet transformational needs over the coming decade.

In Mongolia, the agricultural sector's importance is particularly pronounced. It employs around 30 per cent of the workforce, compared with an EU average of about 4 per cent, and underpins rural livelihoods across the country.

"Over 85 per cent of the provincial economy is reliant on agriculture, underscoring the crucial role that sustainable agriculture plays in contributing to economic resilience, climate adaptation and the achievement of Mongolia's long-term sustainable development priorities," says Beata Paroczai, EBRD Principal, Green Financial Systems, who oversees the GEFF programme in Mongolia, together with Alexander Svininnikov, EBRD Principal, Financial Institutions.

The EBRD supports Mongolia's agribusiness sector through an integrated approach that combines blended finance, advisory support and policy engagement. This enables the Bank to address challenges across the entire value chain, from primary production to processing, logistics and market access, while strengthening resilience to climate and land-degradation risks.

The Bank's approach includes the extension of financing to companies seeking to modernise food processing and logistics, while working with partner financial institutions to expand sustainable lending to agribusiness-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder producers. Together, these interventions help improve productivity, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

A key milestone has been the EBRD's pilot sustainable agriculture credit line with Khan Bank, the first such facility in Mongolia delivered through a partner financial institution. The credit line embeds environmental considerations directly into agricultural lending.

Through Khan Bank, eight rural agribusiness projects have been financed so far under the EBRD's ongoing GCF GEFF programme. The financing supported the purchase of modern, energy-efficient equipment, including combine harvesters, tractors and wheeled tractors, heat pumps, insulation materials and four-season greenhouses. Most technologies were selected from the EBRD's Green Technology Selector catalogue of pre-approved technologies, ensuring verified improvements in energy performance and environmental outcomes.

One example is Sansargoo, a Mongolian greenhouse business, established in 2009, which has expanded its activities since 2020 into crop cultivation, children's food production and green infrastructure. The company produces a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, and conducts research into new vegetable varieties suited to Mongolia's climate.

The company sought GEFF financing to address critical operational challenges, including extending the growing season and improving energy efficiency.

"We needed to start seedlings earlier, which required insulating our winter greenhouse and improving the heating system. With this investment, our raw material supply became much more reliable," Mr Badarch says.

The results have been significant.

Despite Mongolia's harsh climate, Mr Badarch sees sustainable technologies as key to long-term viability. "Green technologies and renewable energy are the best solution for our conditions. If the right solutions are chosen, they can deliver the best results," he says.

The company plans to build a 2,000 m² smart greenhouse powered by renewable energy, increasing production fivefold while introducing new technologies to Mongolia's greenhouse sector. It is also implementing an educational "model green programme" in schools, supporting environmental education, food security and waste reduction.

So far, the GEFF agricultural projects in Mongolia have collectively helped to deliver around 750 MWh in annual energy savings and to reduce CO2 emissions by 238 tonnes per year. This is the equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of over 10,000 trees.

By aligning finance with on-the-ground realities, the GEFF is helping to scale up climate-smart agriculture, strengthen resilience and support productivity improvements, demonstrating how sustainable finance can deliver economic, environmental and social impact across Mongolia's agricultural landscape.

Source: EBRD

Ulaanbaatar Hosts 15th Asian Tourism Forum www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar, June 11, 2026 /MONTSAME/. The 15th Asian Tourism Forum is being held in Ulaanbaatar from June 11–13 under the theme “The Asian Paradigm of Hospitality and Tourism.”

The forum is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, the Ulaanbaatar Tourism Department, the Mongolian Tourism Association, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Tourism Education and Development Society.

More than 100 leading speakers, researchers, and policymakers from 22 countries, including South Korea, Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the United States, and Germany, are participating in the event.

Participants are discussing current issues shaping the tourism and hospitality industry in Asia, including development trends, sustainable solutions, opportunities for regional cooperation, digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence and service robots, and environmental, social, and governance policies.

Batbold D., Vice President of the Mongolian Tourism Association, highlighted that the forum is being held within the framework of Mongolia’s 2023–2028 Long-Term Tourism Development Strategy and aims to promote the country's tourism sector internationally. He expressed hope that the event would help connect academic research with industry practice, attract foreign investment, open new marketing opportunities, and strengthen regional cooperation.

Since its establishment in 1993, the forum has served as a platform for discussing tourism development trends, hospitality management, marketing, and sustainability challenges facing Asia's tourism industry.

By Ooluun.B

In Washington, DC, Mongolia and IUCN elevate opportunities to support land restoration, rangeland stewardship ahead of UNCCD COP17 www.iucn.org

Yesterday, the Embassy of Mongolia in the United States, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) delivered a joint briefing on the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), set to be hosted in Ulaanbaatar in August 2026.

The event, hosted at the Embassy of Mongolia in Washington, DC, explored the importance of investing in land restoration and environmental and economic security. Remarks were delivered by representatives of the Government of Mongolia and IUCN, as well as partners from the World Bank Group, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) Secretariat, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Discussions centred around COP17’s theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope” and the actionable steps needed to ensure the longevity of rangeland ecosystems, as well as the local communities which rely on them. Additionally, the strategic initiatives led by the Government of Mongolia were highlighted, including the Steppe Action Agenda, the Coalition of Rangeland States, and the soon-to-be established Eurasian Centre for Climate and Land.

“Mongolia’s rangelands, which cover the majority of our country’s land surface and are deeply linked to our cultural heritage, are facing severe threats from degradation. We must recognize land as vital environmental and economic infrastructure,” said H.E. Munkhtamir Batbayar, Mongolia’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “In doing so, we can also make progress towards restoring these ecosystems and ensuring the people who rely on them have secure livelihoods. We look forward to seeing Parties participate in COP17 and embrace the vision to restore land and restore hope.”

“Bringing so many partners together today reinforces that the challenges facing rangelands are real, but they’re also solvable if we work together towards solutions,” said H.E. Batbayar Ulziidelger, Ambassador of Mongolia to the USA. “The Embassy of Mongolia is proud to host today’s event and demonstrate our commitment to rangelands and pastoralists, and we’re pleased to see many other actors—from Parties to partners to community members—mobilised to join us in the mission of UNCCD COP17.”

“Today's conversation is a testament to what happens when political will meets practical partnership. Mongolia's leadership—from the Steppe Action Agenda to the proposed Eurasian Centre for Climate and Land—signals that COP17 in Ulaanbaatar will advance real solutions to the global land crisis,” said Tracy Farrell, Regional Director, IUCN North America. “IUCN's Members made formal commitments to grassland and rangeland conservation at our World Conservation Congress last year, and we are honoured to carry those commitments alongside Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar this August.” 

“IUCN is working alongside partners such as the Government of Mongolia, civil society, and local communities to ensure rangelands are conserved and restored for the benefit of the millions of people who depend on them, while safeguarding biodiversity and climate resilience,” said Chetan Kumar, Global Head, IUCN Forest and Grasslands. “Through capacity building, financing, and action on the ground, IUCN is committed to delivering lasting impact for grasslands, rangelands, and pastoral communities at UNCCD COP17 and beyond.”

Discussions were followed by a networking reception. This event builds on the existing partnership between IUCN and the Government of Mongolia, which was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2025 and a new GEF-funded UNCCD Mongolia COP17 Legacy Project.

For more information on IUCN’s engagement with UNCCD, visit the IUCN website.

Smuggled dinosaur fossils return to Mongolia after two decades www.afp.com

Mongolia has recovered a rare dinosaur skeleton and a trove of fossils illegally exported two decades ago, authorities said Wednesday, concluding years of efforts to return the palaeontological treasures.

The collection includes a Tarbosaurus bataar skeleton, estimated to be more than 50 percent intact, along with 28 groups of fossilised dinosaur remains originally found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert ,according to police.

The bones had been illegally taken from Mongolia in 2006 “with the aim of making a profit”, said D. Munkhkhuyag, head of the police public relations department.

French customs agencies confiscated the fossils between 2013 and 2015 , and began returning them a year later to Mongolia under international conventions to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.

Following the lengthy process of returning the fossils, they arrived in the capital Ulaanbaatar on Thursday and will be housed in Mongolia’s new National Museum of Natural History, where they will be studied and eventually put on public display.

“The dinosaur fossil is priceless and a unique piece of heritage,” Manchuk Nuramkhan, the museum’s director, told a news conference.

“We are delighted that children and young people will have the opportunity to see Mongolia’s dinosaur heritage firsthand and learn from it,” she said.

Tarbosaurus bataar, a close relative of Tyrannosaurus rex, lived around 70 million years ago, with evidence of its existence almost almost exclusively found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert.

Manchuk said the return of the fossils was an important victory for efforts to recover cultural and scientific heritage taken from Mongolia and highlights growing international cooperation against the illegal trade in antiquities and fossils.

Mongolia has intensified efforts in recent years to recover dinosaur fossils smuggled abroad, as demand from private collectors and auction houses has fuelled an international black market in rare palaeontological specimens.