Ulaanbaatar, 30 August 2022 (TDI): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Park Jin, met the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh on Monday. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening ties between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Mongolia.
박진 장관은 「오흐나 후렐수흐」 몽골 대통령을 예방했습니다. 박 장관은 한몽 전략적 동반자 관계를 더욱 발전시켜 나가겠다는 우리 정상의 강력한 의지를 직접 전달하고 양국 관계 발전을 위한 구체 방안을 협의하기 위해 이번에 몽골을 방문하였다고 설명했습니다. > https://t.co/QNOZbKfV6Y pic.twitter.com/W5mAB58yNb
— 대한민국 외교부 MOFA_KR (@mofa_kr) August 30, 2022
Foreign Minister Jin highlighted that the Republic of Korea looks forward to strengthening ties with Mongolia in different domains. Moreover, he emphasized cooperation on democracy and human rights between the two countries.
Furthermore, the President of Mongolia updated the Foreign Minister of ROK on the previous relations between both states since 1990. President Khürelsükh also affirmed that strengthening ties with ROK is a top priority of Mongolia.
Moreover, President Khürelsükh expressed his hope in making the bond between both countries even stronger in the next five years.
Cooperation Opportunities
The President of Mongolia and the Foreign Minister of ROK also discussed opportunities for cooperation between both countries. In this regard, President Khürelsükh highlighted promoting cooperation in the Rare Metals Cooperation Center domain.
Whereas, Minister Jin emphasized that both counties can also cooperate on the completion of Mongolia’s three major national tasks. These tasks include planting one billion trees, attaining food security, and movement for healthy Mongolian.
Discussion on the Issue of Korean Penninsula
Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of ROK also highlighted the situation in Korean Peninsula. He asked the President of Mongolia to support the country in its “bold initiative” for the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula.
Correspondingly, the President of Mongolia expressed that Mongolia has and will always support the policies of the ROK which are meant for peace and stability. Moreover, he also affirmed making constructive efforts like holding a dialogue in the capital of Mongolia in this regard.
Korean Peninsula is the region that is divided between ROK and North Korea along the 38th parallel.
The recent increase in Pyongyang’s ballistic missile testing has raised tension throughout the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. ROK has sought international help in the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
ROK says the denuclearization of North Korea is essential for sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, it proposed an “audacious initiative” to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. The initiative includes large-scale food supplies and social infrastructure support for North Korea.
Also Read: Mongolia, ROK discuss future collaboration
Bid for Expo 2030
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of ROK also requested the President of Mongolia to support ROK’s bid to hold the Expo 2020 in Busan. President Khürelsükh affirmed that Mongolia will always support ROK.
Furthermore, the decision on who will host the Expo 2030 will be taken in a meeting in late 2023. Moreover, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Ukraine have also submitted their bid to host the Expo 2030.
To hold the world’s fair, Busan has also appointed BTS, a famous Kpop boyband as their public relations ambassador. The group of 7 will hold a free concert in October to support their country’s bid for Expo 2030.
World EXPO 2030 BUSAN, KOREA Support Concert – BTS <Yet To Come> Concert in Busan
Time: 6PM / Oct 15, 2022 (Sat)
Venue: 188, Ilgwang-ro, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, BusanPlease give your warmest support to the EXPO 2030 BUSAN ❤#EXPO2030BUSAN #BTS #YetToComeInBUSAN https://t.co/IUBmlv3D2x
— World EXPO 2030 BUSAN, KOREA (@2030busanexpo) August 30, 2022
Relations between ROK and Mongolia
The Republic of Korea (ROK) and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on March 26, 1990. Both countries have embassies in each other’s capitals to strengthen diplomatic relations.
Moreover, Mongolians in ROK form the largest population of Mongolian citizens abroad. Their numbers were estimated at 33,000 as of 2008.
Correspondingly, there are also about 3,500 South Koreans in Mongolia. Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2006, citizens of each country residing in the other are exempted from otherwise-mandatory contributions to the national pension plans of the country they reside in.
Furthermore, both countries enjoy good bilateral relations in the domain of education, tourism, trade, and investment.