Switzerland and Mongolia recognise successes and opportunities in their relations
Bern, 02.08.2024 - On 2 August, President Amherd met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of relations between the two countries. They discussed past successes and new opportunities for exchanges between Switzerland and Mongolia. It was the first visit to Mongolia by a Swiss president. The two parties signed a joint declaration on future cooperation and a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening democratic institutions in Mongolia.
The joint declaration marks a milestone in bilateral relations: it underlines Switzerland’s and Mongolia’s solidarity and commitment to peace and stability. The declaration also identifies areas for closer cooperation in the future; these include a dialogue on democracy and the rule of law, UN engagement and sustainable economic development.
After 20 years, the successful engagement in the country by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) – which included the areas of good governance, health, the environment and income security – is coming to an end. Switzerland will continue some of its activities from its embassy in Beijing.
In addition to bilateral issues, Friday’s talks focused on both countries’ commitment to the multilateral order. Switzerland and Mongolia have similar positions on many issues, such as the global abolition of the death penalty. Also discussed on Friday was the security situation in East Asia and Europe. In addition, Ms Amherd talked about Switzerland’s commitment to the search for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine following the high-level Peace Summit that was held in Switzerland in mid-June.
The programme in Mongolia included meetings with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene and Speaker of Parliament Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan, as well as a visit to a photo exhibition celebrating bilateral relations and to an SDC project dedicated to the responsible production of cashmere and yak wool.
Travel to Japan
From Mongolia, Ms Amherd will travel to Japan to celebrate the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations. On Monday, Ms Amherd will visit Shinagawa, a city ward of Tokyo that is twinned with Geneva, for talks with local officials. President Amherd is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara on Wednesday. They will commemorate the anniversary and discuss the development of bilateral relations, the outlook for the East Asian region and the security situation in Europe. A reception by Emperor Naruhito is planned for Thursday.
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