STANDING COMMITTEE HEAD MEETS SDC DELEGATION

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A head of the parliamentary Standing committee on state structure A.Bakei Thursday received Ms Denise Luthi, a chairwoman of the East Asia Division of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Present at the meeting were also B.Boldbaatar, the secretary-general of the Parliamentary Office; Diepak Elmer, a deputy country director of the SDC for Mongolia; and other officials. Ms Luthi underlined that the 10th anniversary of the Mongolia-SDC cooperation has coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Mongolia-Switzerland diplomatic relations, and expressed her satisfaction with the bilateral friendly relations. She also clarified some issues of projects and programmes implemented in Mongolia under financing of the SDC and UNDP. Switzerland is already considered as a model nation of democracy, but it always strives to keep and strengthen its principle, Ms Luthi noted, The the sides discussed some proposals on the further collaboration. Mr Bakei highlighted that projects “Upgrading capability of self-governance bodies of localities” and “Supporting legislative body with civil participation” are being implemented fruitfully. He hoped that the SDC will give a vital impetus to fortifying of the democratic governance in Mongolia. After this, Mr Boldbaatar introduced to Ms Luthi projects and programmes that are being realized with financing of the SDC, and invited her to a meeting to be held next week with heads of Citizens Representative Khural of the city and localities. He also expressed a willingness to study Switzerland's experience in democratic governance. Mongolia is near to become a model nation for democracy in East Asia, Ms Luthi said and added that their assistance and support will contribute to this. The visit of the SDC division head will continue two weeks to get familiarized with projects and programmes.