FOREIGN MINISTER AT BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ A delegation headed by L.Bold, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is taking part in the 5th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) which kicked off November 8 in Bali, Indonesia. The gathered at the forum are discussing an impact of the democratic governance of the world's countries on the international peace, security, implementation of human rights and economic development. As a tradition, opening remarks was made by Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the President of Indonesia. Then, the President of the Republic of Mr Korea Lee Myung-bak took the floor, mentioning a steady development of Mongolia's democracy. He wished Mongolia a successful organization of the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies (CoD) April 29 in Ulaanbaatar. As the S.Korea is one of the pro-democracy countries and a member of the CoD's Governing Council, Mr Lee stated that his country promises to give all-round support to Mongolia. The Foreign Minister L.Bold sounded a greeting of the State Head Ts.Elbegdorj and congratulated the gathered on the 5th anniversary of the BDF. He underlined that Mongolia highly appreciates the BDF that is fruitfully expanding under a leadership of Indonesia's President. The BDF is becoming the action that backs the democracy in the region, he added. Mr Bold emphasized that the BDF fully meets purposes and activities of the CoD being chaired by Mongolia, and given a big opportunity to boost a collaboration in strengthening of the democracy in Asia. The President of Indonesia positively accepted a proposal to participate in the Asian Partnership Initiative for Democracy (APID) co-initiated by the State Heads of Mongolia and the Republic of Korea. As Mr Bold hopes, it will significantly contribute to aspirations of countries to support the democracy throughout the world. He underlined that the newly formed cabinet of Mongolia will continue its foreign policy, then affirmed that Mongolia wants to openly cooperate with countries, and said Mongolia decided to create an international cooperation fund with an aim to share experiences. Within the BDF, the FM L.Bold held meetings with his counterparts of Australia, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea, and granted them invitations to take part in the CoD's Ministerial Conference. He also held bilateral meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore; a chief advisor to the United States Secretary of State; a leader of Hungary's delegation at the Forum; the Secretary-Generals of the ASEAN and CoD; and others to exchange views on the bilateral relations and cooperation. Mongolia's delegation has comprised Ch.Battomor, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Indonesia; Ch.Sosormaa, an advisor to the President on human rights and civil participation; D.Badamdash, an advisor to the Foreign Minister; and other officials. B.Khuder