During the official talks, the Foreign Minister of Mongolia confirmed that Mongolia prioritize the development of relations with Japan as a third neighbor and close strategic partner that shares values in respecting democracy, human rights and freedom. Sides then held discussions on implementing Mid-term Strategic Partnership Program (2017-2021) and Economic Partnership Agreement, and deepening Mongolia-Japan relations in wide range of sectors such as politics, defense, economy, trade, culture, education and etc.

Mongolian side expressed gratitude towards the Japanese Government and people for rendering generous support and assistance to the country in strengthening democracy and structuring market economy system. In the framework of International Monetary Fund’s program and Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Japanese Government has been providing several important aids.

Starting from the coming spring, Mr Tara Kono has informed that Japan will workout a Masterplan on developing VAT included productions in Mongolia’s agricultural sector. Mr Tsogtbaatar Damdin made a request on implementing the third step of the Two-Step Loan Project for SMEs and Environmental Protection that was implemented with the soft loan of the Japanese Government.

The sides confirmed that they will implement the Memorandum of Interministerial Program on Apprentices that was signed between the labour ministers.

The memorandum is considered vital for Mongolia’s sustainable socio-economic developments.

Mr Tsogtbaatar also noted that it is important to create conditions for visa-free travel between the two countries. The sides agreed to create consultative mechanisms between the consulates of the foreign ministries on easing citizens’ travel conditions and protecting their interests.

The Minister noted that Mongolia-Japan relations had been strengthening not only in the bilateral frames, but also in the regional and international levels, and agreed to strengthen firmly in this aspect as a strategic partner.

Oyunbayar.N