SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ‘MONGOLIA-JAPAN RELATIONS’ TAKES PLACE

Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/ In honor of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan to Mongolia jointly organized a scientific conference ‘Mongolia-Japan relations’ on December 5 in the meeting hall of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of Government G. Zandanshatar gave opening remarks. In his speech, G. Zandanshatar said, “Since signing a joint statement on establishment of diplomatic relations 45 years ago, Mongolia-Japan relations have been moving forward constantly and reached strategic partnership level successfully that can be an example to the region. Mongolia-Japan relations based on values of democracy and mutual confidence is one of important pillars of Mongolia’s multi-pillar foreign policy. …Support and assistance of Japanese government and people played an important role in founding the basis of modern development, strengthening democracy and establishing market economy in Mongolia. This generous support continues today. We are very glad to Japanese Government for its substantial support to Mongolia’s economic and financial reform and financing for development.” Afterwards, Japanese Ambassador Masato Takaoko gave a speech. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to Mongolia’s former Prime Minister D.Sodnom who had a leading role in developing bilateral relations, head of the Cabinet Secretariat G. Zandanshatar who worked hard to put a basis to bring bilateral relations into strategic partnership level and to those who were present at the conference. He also expressed his commitment to cooperate for boosting bilateral relations further. Mongolia’s Ambassador to Japan S. Khurelbaatar presented a key report ‘Mongolia-Japan relations, changes, lights and shadows’ at the conference. He said, “Two third of total foreign assistance and loans or investment of USD3.2 billion was rendered solely by Japan during the years that Mongolia developed democracy. High-level talks and visits have become constant. Japan’s four Prime Ministers visited Mongolia, of whom current PM Shinzo Abe has visited three times. Our two countries, which had a conflict about 50 years ago, established diplomatic relations, but also developed relations into strategic partnership. It can be said a rapid advancement.” M. Unurzul