At the beginning of the meeting, President Battulga welcomed Mr. Neven Mimica to Mongolia and appreciated the opening of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Mongolia in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of bilateral cooperation. President Battulga remarked on the effective bilateral cooperation and EU assistance to Mongolia in the past, while expressing his confidence that the opening of the EU Delegation will help develop mutually beneficial cooperation and projects.

For his part, Mr. Neven Mimica expressed his full confidence that the opening of the Delegation will help strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Mongolia and intensify bilateral ties in all levels. The Commissioner stated the purpose of his visit which is to put into action works outlined in the Memorandum on Development Cooperation, signed on June 3rd, 2015, and to review the implementation progress. The Commissioner also discussed ways to increase the efficiency of non-refundable aids provided in phases by the EU to increase foreign investment and employment in Mongolia.

While acknowledging the positive effect of loans and aids granted to Mongolia on national development, President Battulga communicated that he prioritizes introduction of technology, especially agricultural technology, from the EU Member States to Mongolia, and furthermore, prefers mutually beneficial cooperation to loans and aids. The President discussed his views on solid investment and cooperation in this area.