Minister MacKay Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mongolian Minister of Defence
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE--(Marketwired - May 31, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence met with his Mongolian counterpart, Minister of Defence Dashdemberel Bat-Erdene, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding that solidifies plans for continued defence cooperation and exchanges between the two nations.
"Canada and Mongolia share values of democracy as well as a mutual interest in expanding trade," said Minister MacKay. "The Government of Canada is committed to broadening our defence relationship with Mongolia."
The Memorandum of Understanding sets out further opportunities for defence cooperation between Canada and Mongolia through activities such as information exchanges, visits by civilian and military personnel, military education and training, and international peacekeeping activities including humanitarian assistance.
Canada and Mongolia have a history of cooperation on defence and security issues. Mongolia has been a member of the Military Training and Cooperation Program since 2005. Canada has also been a participant in the joint Mongolia - U.S. hosted annual multi-national peacekeeping exercise, KHAAN QUEST.
Minister MacKay and Minister Bat-Erdene met in Singapore during the 12(th) annual International Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit.
Notes to editor / news director:
For more information on Canada's relationship with Mongolia, please contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada or visit: www.mongolia.gc.ca
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
Source:www.forces.gc.ca