Japan, Mongolia Confirm Early Effectuation of EPA

Ulan Bator, Oct. 22 (Jiji Press)--Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Mongolian counterpart, Chimed Saikhanbileg, agreed on Thursday to put the two countries' economic partnership agreement for free trade into effect at an early date. At their meeting in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator, Saikhanbileg said his country's parliament enacted laws necessary to implement the EPA on Thursday. Japan completed its relevant parliamentary procedures in May, after the two countries signed the EPA in February. Abe told Saikhanbileg that he hopes the EPA will help further strengthen economic relations between Japan and Mongolia. The two confirmed that Japan will promote cooperation for a railway construction project and coal mine development in Mongolia. They also agreed to seek Japanese companies' investments in these projects. Saikhanbileg said that Mongolia is ready to send construction workers to Japan to help with projects to build facilities for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The Japanese side is expected to accept Mongolian workers who have special skills. Abe asked for Mongolia's continued cooperation for the solution of the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals decades ago. Mongolia has diplomatic relations with the reclusive country while there are no such relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang. Abe stressed that the international community should urge North Korea to exercise restraint on its missile and nuclear programs. Saikhanbileg said Mongolia is ready to play a role to help ensure stability in Northeast Asia. The Mongolian prime minister expressed support for Abe's policy of making Japan an active contributor to world peace and for Tokyo's bid to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. Abe showed his gratitude. Earlier on Thursday, Abe held a separate meeting with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. They agreed to reinforce Japan-Mongolia cooperation in such areas as security and the economy. Abe arrived in Mongolia on Thursday on the first leg of his weeklong tour that will also take him to five Central Asian countries--Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Abe is the first Japanese prime minister to visit Mongolia twice while in office. His first trip to the country took place in March 2013. END