Cooperation in energy and tourism with Irkutsk, Russia highlighted

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold received Sergey Levchenko, Governor of Irkutsk region of the Russian Federation on February 17, Friday during his visit to Mongolia. At the beginning of the meeting, Speaker M.Enkhbold wished success to his visit, and said, “Mongolia-Russia ties have been intensifying in every sector with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Mongolia and signing of a medium-term Strategic Partnership agreement in Ulaanbaatar”. While mentioning about Mongolia-Russia Cooperation-2016 forum and his visit to the Russian Federation last December, the Speaker noted the importance of developing closer trade and economic ties and co-realizing large-scale projects and programs, emphasizing on the role to be played by Irkutsk oblast, being in geographical proximity and having a rich history of good relations. For his part, Governor Levchenko invited Speaker M.Enkhbold to Irkutsk in connection with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Irkutsk region. He also informed that Irkutsk has opened its Investment Agency under the recently established Trade Representative Office of the Russian Federation in Ulaanbaatar. The Irkutsk delegation led by the governor included authorities of about 25 enterprises from the province who held talks with their Mongolian partners. The Governor also mentioned about his meeting with Prime Minister J.Erdenebat, and a Mongolian-made products expo which will be held in April in Irkutsk. Furthermore, Governor Levchenko highlighted two areas of utmost importance during their meeting. The first issue was cooperation in energy sector; “We are aware that Mongolia seeks to realize large-scale energy projects and we are ready to partake and assist in these activities”, he said. Secondly, the Governor identified tourism as a main area of cooperation between the two countries. “We have agreed to establish a travel route between Baikal and Khuvsgul Lakes. But due to lack of adequate road connecting the lakes, the project isn’t showing progress. Therefore, we see that Russia-Mongolia Intergovernmental Commission should focus on the road issue”, he said. The Governor also said that he will make efforts directed at organizing the intergovernmental commission’s 2017 meeting in Irkutsk, requesting the Mongolian Speaker’s assistance on this issue. During the meeting, Governor Sergey Levchenko presented an Investment Passport of Irkutsk region to Speaker M.Enkhbold, saying, “The passport encompasses a list of major projects and programs to be realized by Irkutsk in the next few years. I am sure that Mongolian projects will be included too. I am confident that organizing investment and economic forums will help expand bilateral cooperation in trade and economy. With closer relationship between Irkutsk and Mongolia, the bilateral ties between our countries will be advanced”. Speaker M.Enkhbold then expressed his readiness to support joint industries, investment projects and other activities between Mongolia and Irkutsk oblast.