The key facts

  • Steinmeier called for closer cooperation with Mongolia in climate, energy and economics
  • Khurelsukh called Germany a close and reliable strategic partner
  • They discussed expanding trade, mutual investment, renewable energy and a gold processing plant project

Meeting in Berlin

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Berlin on Tuesday for talks on the strategic ties between the two countries. According to the Anadolu agency, Steinmeier called for closer cooperation with Mongolia in the fields of climate, energy and economics.

Steinmeier's statements

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Steinmeier called the visit 'far more than a diplomatic act' — in his words, it is 'a visible symbol of special cooperation and a special bond' between the two countries. He emphasized that Germany and Mongolia share a commitment to freedom, human rights and the rule of law. 'To achieve these goals, we work closely and in a spirit of trust together at the UN and in many other international forums; that is precisely what our strategic partnership is aimed at,' he said. Steinmeier added that the parties are 'placing long-standing relations on a modern footing' and will continue to deepen them in the fields of climate, energy and economics.

The Mongolian side's position

Khurelsukh characterized Germany as a close and reliable strategic partner and noted that deepening bilateral relations and cooperation is among the main goals of Mongolia's foreign policy. He expressed hope that the visit will noticeably strengthen trade and economic ties, encourage mutual investment and expand overall interaction between the countries.

Economic substance of the relations

'Now it is up to us to fill these good relations with concrete economic substance,' Khurelsukh said, pointing to efforts to expand cooperation in all areas, including renewable energy and discussion of a gold processing plant project.