The President of Russia arrived in Mongolia on an official visit at the invitation of President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga. On the eve of the visit, he gave an interview to the Mongolian newspaper Udriin Sonin, presidential web page reported.
“Expanding multifaceted ties with Mongolia is one of Russia’s priorities in Asia,” he stressed. “Indeed, bilateral trade has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Trade increased by almost 21% to $1.65 bln by the end of 2018 and grew by another 11.8% to $800 mio in January-June.”
“Effective work to deepen practical cooperation is being carried out through the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and through its specialized sub-commissions and working groups,” Vladimir Putin said. “In our bilateral dialogue, we are focusing on the transport and infrastructure sector and on tapping Mongolia’s transit potential. To this end, Russian Railways is planning the modernization of the Ulan-Bator Railway, which is the country’s key transport artery.”
“Energy is another important area of cooperation. Russian companies supply electricity to Mongolia and participate in the technical retrofitting of its generating capacities. Interesting projects are being implemented or planned in both industry and agriculture,” the President noted. “Cooperation is underway in the sanitary and veterinary spheres. The second stage of the humanitarian program for vaccinating livestock in Mongolia was successfully completed last year, which will facilitate the access of Mongolian livestock produce to the Russian market.”
The two countries “are focused on environmental issues as well. Talks are underway to create a number of joint nature reserves along the border areas. This will help preserve the unique biodiversity of our common region,” he pointed out.