Mongolia to send meat to Russia to help combat COVID-19

ULAN BATOR, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will send meat and meat products worth 1 million U.S. dollars to Russia to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongolian parliament speaker Gombojav Zandanshatar said Thursday.

Zandanshatar made the remarks when meeting with Russian Ambassador to Mongolia Iskander Azizov, according to the parliament's press office.

"Our country's National Security Council has decided to send meat and meat products worth 1 million U.S. dollars to Russia's Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia. We hope that the non-refundable aid will help prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19," Zandanshatar said.

The Russian ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to the Mongolian side and said that he would immediately inform the authorities of the two Russian regions. Enditem

Read More

Assault on Ulaanbaatar: how Russian Cossacks defeated the army of the Chinese

By

 Thomas Channeton

If not for the heroic assault on the city of Urga General Roman Ungern-Sternberg would have been one of many “warlords” and not one of the most mysterious figures of the Civil war. A descendant of Baltic Germans, who bore the title of Baron wanted to recreate the Empire of Genghis Khan and lead the Mongol horsemen Europe.

But before that he needed to take Ugra and become the ruler of Mongolia. After the victory of the Buddhist priests became known as the General incarnation of the deity Mahakali ruthless and resolves of the Keeper of faith, feeding on the flesh and blood of the apostates.

the City of Urga

Today the capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, a city with a population of half million, which is an amazing combination of modernity and tradition of the steppe nomads. During the Civil war in Russia it was called Urga, which translated from Mongolian means “Palace”. In the city of the residence of the Bogdo-Khan, the chief of all the Buddhists of Mongolia. At that time, Mongolia was a theocratic, and therefore, the spiritual leader of the country was its ruler.

In 1919, the population had reached 100 thousand people. Most were Chinese – 70 thousand and 30 thousand Mongols, of which 20 thousand were priests. The town population up to 3 thousand Russian and a small colony of Jews. After the October revolution in USU entered a 10-strong Chinese corps, after which Mongolia lost its independence.

Ungern decided to kick the Chinese, however, the first attempt failed. After a few months, adding to the ranks of his army with new soldiers from the peoples of the steppe, “black Baron” decides to try again to capture the city.

Psychological warfare

In December 1920, the troops of the Asian cavalry division led by Baron Ungern come to Ugra. The siege army was small – only 1500 people, with 12 guns and 4 guns. Was the division of the officers of the Russian army, the Cossacks, Buryats, Tibetans, Mongols, Tatars, and Bashkirs, which the Chinese are particularly feared.

the Mixed army was soldered by iron discipline and a mystical fear of Roman Ungern. Cavalry division had to dislodge from the city of 10,000 Chinese soldiers, who were joined by 5 thousand militia Urga. The weapons of the enemy was 72 machine guns and 18 cannons. For protection around the city the Chinese had dug trenches and prepared in the city strongholds of defense.

Two months Ungern was not going to storm, and at this time the city was filled with horror, emanating from the personality of the commander. Chinese generals took a strange decision and arrested the Bogd Khan. The act of the invaders angered the local Mongol and depressing effect on the already weak morale of the Chinese. For fear of soldiers of the Chinese generals never brought a superior enemy in numbers 15 times the troops in the field.

Fear added following episode: Ungren in the yellow Mongolian robes riding on a white Mare alone penetrated in Ugra. Drove into the yard of the manor, the Chinese Governor of the city and gave the whip a sleeping sentry. Then in front of stunned the servants and calmly went into the street. Put on the capture of the soldiers are unable to catch the Baron, he literally disappeared on the curves of the streets of Ugra.

the assault of the Mongolian capital

on January 31 result of meticulous attention to detail of the operation and the desperate bravery of Tibetans, dressed lamas was released Bogdo-Khan. After this action, the Chinese soldiers settled superstitious fear. The night before the attack Ungern was used as old as the world trick. On the hills around Urga, which, when hiding from enemies, the young Genghis Khan, he ordered to kindle a lot of fires. Solid saw the glow of fire, the Chinese were convinced that the enemy reinforcements came.

At dawn on 2 February a detachment of 200 of the Bashkirs and the few Cossacks attacked the Chinese quarter Mcmachen. The attackers were soldiers from the chain, and each had 10 ammo and when ammo ran out, the lastoval distracting saber attack. At this time, from the South quarter broke 900 riders General Boris Rezukhin. To move crooked streets riding was difficult. The soldiers dismounted and began to lead street battles.

Chinese military commander threw his subordinates and fled to the city. Part of the garrison entrenched in some homes and temples. Realizing that mercy from the ferocious bearded northerners will not, they fought to the last. Soldiers joined residents of the quarter, shooting at the fighters Risuhina even bows and arrows. Strong points defending the Cossacks threw grenades and torched.

After Chinatown was busy, three Cossack squadrons broke into the Eastern outskirts of Urga. Here were captured a prison, in which sat almost frozen to death Russian colonists and refugees. In consequence of the release of Russian Ungern was named one of the main goals of the campaign. Pushing deep into the city continued, and after nightfall on 2 February the battle died down.

when the morning of 4 February, the hills around Urga filled escape from the city by Chinese soldiers. The enemy surrendered the city. Trophies of the Asian division was 5,000 rifles, a dozen guns, food, and money from two ugrinsky banks. After the assault Ungern staged a pogrom that claimed the lives of 50 people. The independence of Mongolia was restored, and Ungern received from the Bogdo Khan a nominal title, but his credibility among the population has become enormous.

Read More

Putin pushes idea of Russian gas supplies to China via Mongolia

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin told the head of state-controlled Gazprom (GAZP.MM) to consider making Russian gas exports to China via Mongolia, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Gazprom is due to start exporting gas to China in December via the eastern Power of Siberia pipeline.

“Please, look into the resources of Yamal (Peninsula) as well, in order to gather the necessary resources for the supplies via the western route to China via Mongolia,” Putin told Gazprom head Alexei Miller at a meeting, adding that the partners in China also “lean toward” this route.

Read More

Putin promises infrastructure investment in Mongolia

ULAANBAATAR: Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised to help finance new infrastructure in Mongolia on a one-day visit this week, as the landlocked country looks to reduce its reliance on Beijing.

Mongolia sits in a strategically important place between Russia and China, and its economy has been growing largely from mineral exports to its giant neighbour China.

But the Mongolian authorities have been looking for ways to export more to other Asian countries, and the Russian president’s visit on Tuesday was seen as a key opportunity to strengthen ties.

“Russia will never forget Mongolia’s help and support when Russia was fighting against the Nazis,“ Putin said, joining in a celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of a battle fought by Mongolian and Russian soldiers against the invading Japanese army in 1939.

Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga and Putin signed a series of agreements including joint investment funds to finance Mongolia’s infrastructure developments, with the Russian president loaning 100 billion rubles (RM6.3 billion) in a gift for the battle anniversary.

Battulga said he planned to use the aid to build new railroads to the Chinese border to open one more channel for coal and mineral export.

Battulga also stated that Mongolia hopes to build its own terminal in a Russian port to facilitate exporting its natural resources through Russia.

While the two countries have US$1.7 billion (RM7.1 billion) annually in two-way trade, around 95% of it is Mongolia buying oil from Russia.

Putin’s visit comes after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper made a rare visit to Mongolia last month on an Asian tour aimed at shoring up partnerships to counter China’s growing influence in the region. — AFP

Read More

Putin’s visit to Mongolia aims to show Russia’s role in Asia, says expert

On Tuesday, the Russian leader will hold talks with Mongolian colleague Khaltmaagiin Battulga, sign a permanent Treaty on Friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Mongolia is aimed to activate Russian foreign policy in Asia, Program Director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club Timofey Bordachev told TASS on Monday.

"I think that this visit has been relevant for a long time. [Mongolian] President Khaltmaagiin Battulga participated in the Eastern Economic Forum for the third time, and Russia steadily implements the concept of building a vast Eurasian space, where Mongolia has an important role. In general, Russia is activating its contacts in Asia," the expert said, adding that Putin’s visit is of strategic importance for both countries. "Of course, we are talking about a country that directly borders us, is our big neighbor that we must keep in mind at all times."

Bordachev noted that despite its small population and economy, Mongolia plays an important role in the region due to its location. "All neighboring countries are definitely interested in having Mongolia as a cooperation region," he stated.

According to the expert, Putin’s visit to Ulan Bator has been planned for a long time, and the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the US and Mongolia has not affected the Russian leader’s intention to visit Mongolia, which is why there are no grounds to talk about geopolitical competition between Russia and the US.

"I don’t think we are talking about a fight for Mongolia. Of course, our American partners try to make their mark everywhere they can, however, in this case, this is no cause for concern or tensions from the side of Russia or China," Bordachev pointed out. "Mongolia’s current administration aims to strengthen cooperation with Russia and China to a greater extent than the previous governments, which still tried to balance out the relations with Moscow and Beijing and their relations with Washington. For the Mongolian side, cooperation with Russia is very important, because it helps to balance the inevitable growth of China’s influence."

On Monday, Putin has arrived on an official visit to Mongolia’s Ulan Bator. On Tuesday, the Russian leader will hold talks with his Mongolian colleague Khaltmaagiin Battulga, sign a permanent Treaty on Friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Mongolia and take part in the celebratory events timed to the 80th anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops in the Battles of Khalkhin Gol.

Read More

Putin expects Mongolian president to attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next year

Putin said people of Russia "remember with gratitude Mongolia’s help during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War"

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russia is grateful for Mongolia’s aid during the Great Patriotic War and is looking forward to see Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga during the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We hope that next May, President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga will attend the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow," the Russian president said in an interview to Mongolia’s Udriin Sonin newspaper, published on the Kremlin website on Monday.

He went on to say that the people of Russia "remember with gratitude Mongolia’s help during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War."

"The Mongolian people sent warm clothes and food to Soviet soldiers who fought at the front, and donated their horses to equestrian units," the president continued. "While denying themselves, they raised funds for the Revolutionary Mongolia tank brigade and the Mongolian Arat fighter squadron."

The Russian leader will arrive in Mongolia late on September 2 to attend celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the joint victory over Japanese forces on the Khalkhin Gol River in 1939. Speaking about this event, Putin described it as "one of the most striking and momentous events in our common history."

Recollecting the events of the past, Putin mentioned the ‘turbulent’ situation on Mongolia’s eastern border, where tensions were mounting. Under those circumstances, the Soviet Union and the Mongolian People’s Republic signed the Protocol on Mutual Assistance, which allowed for deploying Red Army units on the territory of Mongolia on March 12, 1936.

"In the final stage of the fierce fighting that lasted from August 20 to September 16, 1939, the Red Army defeated the invaders, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Mongol soldiers, and defended Mongolia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," Putin said.

"The victory at Khalkhin Gol was of great military and political importance. It became one of the main reasons why Japan did not attack the Soviet Union in 1941, and delayed its entry into World War II," he continued. "This allowed the Soviet leadership to move its forces to the west at the end of 1941, which later played an important role in the battle of Moscow.".

Read More

Putin praises milestone permanent treaty with Mongolia

Putin says Russia, Mongolia could boost turnover through new projects

ULAN BATOR, September 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the signing of a new, perpetual friendship treaty with Mongolia opens up prospects for expanding cooperation in all areas, he said at a press conference following negotiations with the President of Mongolia, Khaltmaagiin Battulga.

"First of all, in this extensive package of agreements that has been signed, I’ll highlight the interstate Friendship Agreement," Putin said. "This essential document enshrines the quality and new level of Russian-Mongolian interaction, a comprehensive strategic partnership opening up significant prospects for its further expansion in various directions," he added.

Putin said that he was convinced that the long-standing traditions of friendship and solidarity are a firm foundation for the development of Russian-Mongolian relations. He agreed with his Mongolian counterpart that the negotiations were informative and constructive. Putin added that the parties discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, and exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues.

The Russian president has described cooperation between Moscow and Ulan Bator in the fight against terrorism and military-technical cooperation between the two countries as an important factor in ensuring security in Asia.

"We discussed in detail the prospects for defense, military-technical and counter-terrorism cooperation between our countries," Putin said following talks with Mongolia’s President Khaltmaagiin Battulga. "We consider cooperation in this area to be a major factor in ensuring security in Asia."

He recalled that the two countries had held joint military drills in Mongolia in August, adding that "this practice will be continued."

According to the head of state, Russia and Mongolia see eye to eye on many pressing regional and global issues or have similar stances on them. He noted that Moscow and Ulan Bator coordinated their actions at multilateral platforms, including the UN. Trilateral cooperation between Russia, Mongolia and China is expanding as well.

"We welcome Mongolia’s desire to establish closer contacts with the Eurasian Economic Union," Putin added. "We believe that this cooperation will have a positive effect on trade and investment cooperation between our countries."

Prospects for bilateral trade

Russia and Mongolia can significantly boost bilateral trade, Vladimir Putin noted.

"There is every opportunity not only to return to the peak trade indicators of 2012, but to move further, expand bilateral trade exchanges. We will jointly implement new projects, including in the field of infrastructure, in the mining industry, energy, and agriculture," Putin said.

According to him, the Russian-Mongolian fund of investment cooperation will also finance such projects — on Tuesday the Russian Direct Investment Fund concluded an agreement with Mongolian partners on establishing the fund. "I would like to note that the fund will invest mainly in the national currencies of our countries," Putin said.

He also stated that Rosatom is considering the possibility of creating a nuclear science center in Mongolia to use radiation technologies in medicine, industry, agriculture, and other areas.

General outlook on relations with Mongolia 

Congratulating the Mongolian nation on the 80th anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops in the Battles of Khalkhin Gol, the Russian president pledged that Russia would do everything possible to establish a real strategic partnership with Mongolia.

"We value the neighborly and time-tested relations with Mongolia. Russian-Mongolian cooperation is steadily developing, covering various areas. This has been confirmed at today’s talks, during which we have discussed various important bilateral issues, outlining the frontiers of our cooperation in the future," Putin told an official reception.

"There is a Mongolian saying: you get to know a horse when you ride, and you get to know a man when you become his friend. I would like to stress that we are genuinely proud of our friendship and brotherly relations with Mongolia and its people, and we will do everything so that Russian-Mongolian relations become a comprehensive strategic partnership," the Russian leader said.

For his part, Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga stressed the importance of the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries, expressing his hope that the relations will reach a new level.

The Battles of Khalkhin Gol took place in May-September of 1939. Back then, Soviet-Mongolian troops defeated the Japanese military units that invaded the Mongolian People's Republic.

Read More

Putin’s visit to Mongolia aims to show Russia’s role in Asia, says expert

On Tuesday, the Russian leader will hold talks with Mongolian colleague Khaltmaagiin Battulga, sign a permanent Treaty on Friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Mongolia is aimed to activate Russian foreign policy in Asia, Program Director of the Foundation for Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club Timofey Bordachev told TASS on Monday.

"I think that this visit has been relevant for a long time. [Mongolian] President Khaltmaagiin Battulga participated in the Eastern Economic Forum for the third time, and Russia steadily implements the concept of building a vast Eurasian space, where Mongolia has an important role. In general, Russia is activating its contacts in Asia," the expert said, adding that Putin’s visit is of strategic importance for both countries. "Of course, we are talking about a country that directly borders us, is our big neighbor that we must keep in mind at all times."

Bordachev noted that despite its small population and economy, Mongolia plays an important role in the region due to its location. "All neighboring countries are definitely interested in having Mongolia as a cooperation region," he stated.

According to the expert, Putin’s visit to Ulan Bator has been planned for a long time, and the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the US and Mongolia has not affected the Russian leader’s intention to visit Mongolia, which is why there are no grounds to talk about geopolitical competition between Russia and the US.

"I don’t think we are talking about a fight for Mongolia. Of course, our American partners try to make their mark everywhere they can, however, in this case, this is no cause for concern or tensions from the side of Russia or China," Bordachev pointed out. "Mongolia’s current administration aims to strengthen cooperation with Russia and China to a greater extent than the previous governments, which still tried to balance out the relations with Moscow and Beijing and their relations with Washington. For the Mongolian side, cooperation with Russia is very important, because it helps to balance the inevitable growth of China’s influence."

On Monday, Putin has arrived on an official visit to Mongolia’s Ulan Bator. On Tuesday, the Russian leader will hold talks with his Mongolian colleague Khaltmaagiin Battulga, sign a permanent Treaty on Friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Mongolia and take part in the celebratory events timed to the 80th anniversary of the victory of Soviet and Mongolian troops in the Battles of Khalkhin Gol.

Read More

Russia To Sign Permanent Treaty Of Friendship With Mongolia; Counter Chinese Influence

In an interview to Mongolia’s Udriin Sonin newspaper ahead of his visit to the capital Ulaanbaatar, President Putin said he would discuss possibilities for further strengthening mutually beneficial collaboration, including the implementation of the medium-term program for a strategic partnership between Russia and Mongolia.

“At the end of the visit, we will sign an interstate treaty on friendly relations and comprehensive strategic partnership, which will raise our bilateral ties to a fundamentally new level,” Putin said, adding that the document, based on the 1993 Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation, will have no expiration date.

The Russian President emphasised that the two states (Russia and Mongolia) have a prolonged history of the mutually beneficial association. For example, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Ulaanbaatar Railway interstate joint venture, while the development of Mongolia’s virgin lands began with Soviet assistance 60 years ago.

“Today, Russian-Mongolian cooperation is comprehensive and multilateral, and covers the political, trade, economic, investment, financial, agricultural, scientific, education, cultural and sports areas,” Putin said.

Putin will visit Mongolia late on September 2 to attend celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the joint victory over Japanese forces on the Khalkhin Gol River in 1939.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov earlier said the new treaty would be signed by Putin and his Mongolian counterpart Khaltmaagiin Battulga after their talks in Ulaanbaatar on September 3.

Russia-Mongolia Relations

The bilateral relations between Mongolia and Russia have been traditionally robust since the Communist era when the Soviet Union supported the Mongolian People’s Republic. Following the dissolution of the USSR, Mongolia’s trade with Russia declined by 80% and China’s relations and influence over Mongolia increased, dramatically.

However, Russia has endeavoured to restore strong relations with Mongolia in recent years to enhance its standing as a regional power. In 2000, the Russian President Vladimir Putin made a landmark visit to Mongolia—the first by a Russian head of state since Leonid Brezhnev in 1974 and one of the first of Putin’s presidency and renewed a major bilateral treaty. The visit and improvement in bilateral relations was popularly welcomed in Mongolia as countering China’s influence. 

https://eurasiantimes.com

Read More

Russia’s RZD to modernize Mongolian railway to develop its transit potential — Putin

Putin said that bilateral trade has been actively developing

MOSCOW, September 2. /TASS/. Russia’s rail monopoly RZD will modernize Mongolia’s rail network to develop the country’s transit potential, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said In an interview to Mongolia’s Udriin Sonin newspaper ahead of his visit to the country.

"In our bilateral dialogue, we are focusing on the transport and infrastructure sector and on tapping Mongolia’s transit potential," the Russian leader said in the interview, published by the Kremlin website on Monday. "To this end, Russian Railways is planning the modernization of the Ulan-Bator Railway, which is the country’s key transport artery."

Putin said that bilateral trade has been actively developing. According to him, trade turnover increased by 21% to $1.65 billion, and grew by another 11.8% in January-June, to $800 million.

Speaking about energy cooperation, Putin said Russian companies supply electricity to Mongolia and participate in the technical retrofitting of its generating capacities. Besides, the two states carry out or plan "interesting projects" in industry and agriculture.

"Cooperation is underway in the sanitary and veterinary spheres. The second stage of the humanitarian programme for vaccinating livestock in Mongolia was successfully completed last year, which will facilitate the access of Mongolian livestock produce to the Russian market," Putin said.

According to the Russian leader, Moscow and Ulaanbaatar are focused on environmental issues as well.

"Talks are underway to create a number of joint nature reserves along the border areas. This will help preserve the unique biodiversity of our common region," he said.

Moscow also keeps assisting Mongolia in training national professionals.

"Today, about 3,000 Mongolia citizens study at Russia’s universities. Every year, we set aside 500 state scholarships for Mongolian students," Putin said.

When asked about the possibility of cutting customs duties for Mongolian goods, the Russian leader said that a joint working group was created between the Eurasian Economic Commission and Mongolia in 2015. Among its tasks is increasing the efficiency of mutual trade, including by removing barriers, improving customs administration and harmonizing sanitary standards.

"Often, simplifying technical requirements gives a much greater boost to business than reducing duties," Putin added.

Read More

Хэвлэх Railways will be on Putin’s agenda

E.Odjargal

Russian President Putin will be in Mongolia to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of our two countries’ joint victory in the battle of Khalkh Gol. The visit is expected to take bilateral relations to a new phase and there is talk that a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement will be signed during the visit.

Much has happened in the five years since Putin was last here.  For example, the agreement to establish the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor was signed in 2015 at Tashkent; Mongolia and Russia signed a 25-year interim discount tariff agreement for railway transit; Russia re-opened a transport corridor through its territory after nine years; and a consortium of Russian companies led by Russian Railway made a bid for the Tavantolgoi deposit along with global mining giants; and when coal prices were at their highest ever, Mongolia made a special offer to the Russian side. 

Coal might be losing some of its importance, and at this time when commodity prices are declining, Russia’s offer of cheaper transport for Mongolian minerals along the 4,000-km route to its seaports might not hold much interest for us. However, it is necessary for Mongolia to have a seafront in the north, and that is why the Zuunbayan-Khangi and Erdenet-Artssuuri routes have been included in the State Policy on Railway. Currently, the Tavan Tolgoi-Zuunbayan railway is being built under the special attention of the President of Mongolia. As the Russians hold 50 percent of Ulaanbaatar Railway, their interests are seen in these three directions.

The agreement that was signed following President Putin’s visit in 2014 said, “The Salkhit-Erdenet part of the railway will be continued in the north-west direction to the border of Mongolia and Russia, thus opening a new railway link to Russia and connecting Mongolia to Kyzyl in Tuva, thereby creating a new route to export Russia’s mineral products to China through Mongolia.” The Kyzyl-Urumchi route has long been seen as the cheapest way for this. Another option is to use the Erdenet-Artssuuri route to reach China’s industrial hub through Salkhit-Erdenet and the UBTZ central corridor. Both are included in the 32 projects of the economic corridor. 

The Russian interest in these routes stems from their hope and plan to sell coking coal from the Ulug-Khemsk basin -- which is twice as large as the Tavan Tolgoi deposit -- to China. Putin has indicated the importance of the project by, first, reviving it after a 10-year freeze, and then by keeping personal tab on it. Russia has taken up an ambitious plan to invest 2 trillion rubles into Krasnoyarsk province, Tuva and the Khakas region over the next decade. Around 60 companies -- including Norilsk Nickel, Rusal, Polus, SUEK, Russian Railways, En+Group and Unipro – will participate in the plan by setting up as many as 32 large projects, including mineral deposits, processing plants, roads, energy production, airports, infrastructure and agriculture.  Russia plans to extract 200 million tonnes of coal annually from the regions of Zabaikal, Tuva, Khakasi, Yakutia, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Kemerov to, first, increase its exports to Asia-Pacific countries and, then, to compete with Australia and Indonesia in the world coal market. This is a priority of Putin’s long-term economic policy.

That is likely to be near, if not at the top of, Putin’s agenda when he sits down for talks with Mongolian leaders. He knows that Russia must have unimpeded access to this planned shortest route passing through Mongolia to China’s industrial centres. As the railroad is not yet ready, he would like to hasten the work of maintaining, expanding and upgrading the existing routes. This was made clear in the cooperation agreement signed five years ago for the renovation and strategic development Ulaanbaatar Railways, which would enable it to transport 100 million tonnes of freight annually. Russia agreed to finance the work only after making sure how its own interests would be furthered by it. Much is still to be done and Zamyn-Uud port is overloaded, but the capacity of Mongolian Railway to transit freight has increased fourfold in the last two years. 

Many in Mongolia are upset that transit transport is growing so rapidly at the cost of moving our own export cargo along a railway. Today, no Mongolian coal is carried through Russian territory, but Russian freight is reaching China through Zamyn-Uud at a 60- percent discounted tariff. Russia now wants to talk about another exit point to make more use of this favorable condition. This would be at Khangi to the west of Zamyn-Uud, to be reached through a Zuunbayan-Khangi railway, a project the Russian President highlighted at a tripartite meeting in Bishkek. A railway from Zuunbayan to Khangi will serve the interests of Russia and China, with no benefit to Mongolia. However, the other neighbour has a somewhat different perception about the second exit point for Russian freight. Russia prefers Khangi as that would keep the traffic under the control of Ulaanbaatar Railway, but China wants Mangal as the place, and has proposed to develop Ulaantsav aimag as an international transport and logistics center. This means transit cargo will use Erlian port, and that is why China has offered a 50% discount on transit tariff for Mongolian freight through its territory beginning at the Erlian border. 

The State Policy on Railway stressed that the railway to Khangi-Mandal port will become a new gateway to increase mineral exports and to ease the current burden on ports in southern Mongolia. Mongolian producers, however, see the present route as the fastest for Tavan Tolgoi coal to reach its buyers. Since Tavan Tolgoi will remain the main competitor of Russian coal projects, proximity is an advantage not to be squandered away. This is so now when the coal goes by road and it will be the same when the Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait railway is finally ready, hopefully some time next year.

MMJ welcomed the Russian President in 2014 with an article headlined “Putin is a leader who comes with a surprise”. The circumstances now are changed and though Mongolia welcomes Putin with the same old warmth, maybe it will be a little more wary of what he could demand from us. The talks he will be holding here do not necessarily have to lead to an agreement as, soon after, the President of Mongolia will be in Vladivostok to attend the East Economic Forum, where he will have more talks with his Russian counterpart. There is one word in Russia: Восток дело тонкое. (The East is a delicate matter). That continues to be true. 

Source:http://www.mongolianminingjournal.com

Read More

Russian companies interested in development of Mongolia’s power sector, says Kremlin

Among them are such companies as En+ Group, Inter RAO, Rosseti, RusHydro and Technopromexport

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. A number of Russian energy companies is interested in construction and upgrade of power plants in Mongolia, aide to the Russian President Yuri Ushakov said on Friday.

Among them are such companies as En+ Group, Inter RAO, Rosseti, RusHydro and Technopromexport, Ushakov said.

Rosatom state corporation also plans to set up a nuclear science and technology center in Mongolia on the basis of the existing research reactor, the official added.

Read More

Russia, Mongolia kick off Selenga-2019 joint military drills

A special ceremony was held at the Munkh Khet practice range to open the drills

ULAN UDE, August 16. /TASS/. The Russian-Mongolian joint military exercise Selenga-2019 has kicked off at the Munkh Khet firing range in Mongolia, the press office of Russia’s Eastern Military District reported on Friday.

"A special ceremony was held at the Munkh Khet practice range to open the joint Russian-Mongolian military drills Selenga-2019, which involve up to 1,000 personnel of the Eastern Military District’s motor rifle large unit stationed in the town of Kyakhta (Buryatia) and the same number of troops from Mongolia," the press office said in a statement.

The opening ceremony was attended by Military Exercise Head from the Russian side Lieutenant-General Mikhail Nosulev and Military Exercise Head from the Mongolian side Brigadier General B. Amgalanbaatar, the statement says.

The state flags of the countries participating in the military exercise were raised and the national anthems were performed during a special ceremony. Servicemen of the Eastern Military District and the armed forces of Mongolia marched in a ceremonial parade in a single formation through the field ground. After the ceremonial part was over, the crews started preparing their combat hardware for the active phase of the drills and the Russian servicemen shared the experience of operating gun armament, transmission gear and engines in the conditions of heavy dust concentrations.

"The servicemen of Mongolia are displaying a special interest in the training as the Mongolian army operates Soviet-made special and combat hardware," the statement says.

During the active phase of the drills, the participating troops will practice assignments to jointly eliminate notional illegal armed formations and defend a community in a border area.

Russia’s Eastern Military District earlier reported that the Russian troops would involve about 300 weapon systems in the drills: 152mm Akatsiya howitzers, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, T-72B3 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Mi-24 and Mi-8AMTSh helicopters from the District’s army aviation airfield located in the Trans-Baikal Region.

The Russian-Mongolian exercise Selenga runs on August 15-24 this year. The drills have been held annually since 2008. Before 2011, the military tactical drills with the live-fire exercise were dubbed Darkhan, which stands for ‘Builder’ in Mongolian. In 2011, the maneuvers were dubbed Selenga, which is the name of the river that originates on the territory of Mongolia, flows through the Republic of Buryatia in East Siberia and gets into Lake Baikal. Since then, the drills have focused on anti-terror activities.

In 2018, the maneuvers took place at the Burduny practice range in Buryatia and involved over 1,000 troops and up to 200 weapon systems from both sides.

Source:Russian news agency Tass

Read More

Russian servicemen arrive in Mongolia to take part in joint drills

Around 1,000 servicemen and nearly 300 units of military equipment will take part in the joint Russian-Mongolian military exercise

ULAN-UDE, August 14. /TASS/. Around 1,000 Russian servicemen have arrived in Mongolia to take part in "Selenga" joint military drills, the press service of the Eastern Military District said on Wednesday.

"Three military echelons with servicemen and military equipment from the Eastern Military District have arrived in Mongolia to take part in joint Russian-Mongolian drills 'Selenga-2019'. Around 1,000 servicemen and nearly 300 units of military equipment will take part in the military exercise. The drills will start on August 15," the press service said.

"From the Russian side, Akatsiya 152mm self-propelled artillery systems, Grad multiple rocket launchers, Shilka self-propelled anti-aicraft weapons systems, T-72B3 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles will take part in the joint drills," the press service added. "Mi-24 and Mi-8AMTSh helicopters stationed in Russia's Zabaikalsky region will also take part in the military exercies," the press service noted.

Last year, "Selenga" drills were held in Russia's Buryatia region. Over 1,000 Mongolian servicemen took part in the military exercise in 2018.

Read More

Russian military helicopters arrive in Mongolia for joint drills

CHITA, August 15. /TASS/. Eight army aviation helicopters of Russia’s Eastern Military District have arrived in Mongolia to take part in the Selenga-2019 exercise, the district’s press service said on Thursday.

"The aviation group comprises eight helicopters - four Mi-24 helicopter gunships and four Mi-8AMTSh assault transport helicopters," the press service said.

The helicopters will provide fire support and reconnaissance for Russian and Mongolian forces taking part in the exercises.

The Russian-Mongolian military exercise, headlined Selenga after the river that originates in Mongolia and flows into Russia’s Lake Baikal, are held on an annual basis. This year, the drills will be held at Mongolia’s Munh Hat range on August 15-24. They will involve over 1,000 servicemen from both sides.

The Eastern Military District said in July it would also send motorized rifles and tank units, a mortar battery, MLRS, self-propelled artillery, NCB protection, reconnaissance and a medical team.

Read More

Mongolia's agreement with US will not affect relations with Moscow, Beijing — expert

Mongolia and the United States signed an agreement on strategic partnership during Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga's visit to Washington

MOSCOW, August 2. /TASS/. The declaration on strategic partneship between Ulaanbaatar and Washington signed during Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga's visit to the United States represents a political gesture aimed at demonstrating growing international support for Mongolia, chairman of the Valdai International Discussion Club Andrey Systritsky told TASS on Friday.

"There will be no significant consequences [for Mongolia's relations with Russia and China] after this declaration. It is rather a demonstrative political gesture aimed at showing to Mongolia's neighbors (Russia and China) that Mongolia has some additional real or imaginary political support," Bystritsky said. "At the same time, Mongolia is intensively developing its relations with Russia, and shows great interest in this. As far as I know — and I talked with Mongolian colleagues, including those in the sphere of foreign policy — they are energetically trying to develop relations with Russia," he added.

According to the expert, Mongolia is interested in diversifying its international relations, and signing a declaration on strategic partneship with the US is supposed to set the framework for the country's foreign policy. He added that it is hard to tell which side initiated the agreement, and it seems like the declaration was long in the works. At the same time, Bystritsky noted that there is no consensus among diverse Mongolian elites on the country's foreign policy course.

"One should not talk about favoring the West in this situation. This declation is political, and it is aimed at neighboring countries. It is supposed to reconfigure, not radically change relations with neighboring countries," the expert said. "Moreover, Mongolia, like many other countries, is somewhat cautious about China, not because there is a specific reason for that, but just because China is so big and strong," he concluded.

Source:https://tass.com/world/1071751

Read More

Kremlin not ruling out Putin’s visit to Mongolia for Khalkhyn Gol victory events

The Mongolian president invited Putin to attend the celebrations on occasion of the 80th anniversary of joint victory in the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol

MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. The Kremlin is not ruling out that Russian President Vladimir Putin could pay a visit to Mongolia to attend the events marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol.

"This visit is being worked out, the details will be announced later," the Russian president’s press service told TASS.

In May, Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga invited Putin to pay a visit to the country to take part in the celebrations on occasion of the 80th anniversary of joint victory in the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol.

The conflict near the Khalkhyn Gol River on Mongolia’s soil between the Soviet Union and Japan began in 1939. The battle lasted from May until September, resulting in the defeat of the Japanese Sixth Army, which had sought to reach Chita and Baikal and show China that "the Soviet military assistance was unreliable." Later, Moscow and Tokyo signed a ceasefire agreement. Following the Battles of Khalkhyn Gol, Japan refrained from attacking the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

Read More

China, Russia, Mongolia vow to strengthen trilateral cooperation

Presidents of China, Russia and Mongolia pledged to strengthen trilateral cooperation during their meeting in Bishkek on Friday. 

The trilateral meeting, the fifth of its kind, among Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga was held on the sidelines of the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. 

The heads of state reviewed the achievements of trilateral cooperation and discussed the overall plan for the next phase. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L), Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga attend a trilateral meeting, the fifth of its kind, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, June 14, 2019. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Since the last gathering of the heads of state in China's eastern port city of Qingdao last year, the three sides have maintained close communication and cooperation, and the trilateral cooperation has gradually developed, said Xi. 

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the China-Russia and China-Mongolia diplomatic relations, Xi said China will hold celebrations with the two countries respectively. 

Against the backdrop of rising protectionism and unilateralism, the three countries need to firmly promote regional cooperation and achieve common development, he said. 

They should focus on the alignment of the three countries' development strategies, promote comprehensive cooperation in all fields, and jointly release the positive signal of maintaining multilateralism and creating an open world economy, said Xi. 

For the next phase, the three sides should deepen political mutual trust, increase mutual support, respect each other's core interests, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Xi stressed. 

The Chinese president said the three countries should promote the implementation of cooperative projects within the framework of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, promote customs facilitation measures, upgrade major ports, and deepen sub-national cooperation. 

The cooperation and coordination within the framework of the SCO should be expanded, said Xi. 

Putin said Russia is committed to deepening its relations with China and Mongolia on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and is ready to step up cooperation to promote the synergy between the Eurasian Economic Union, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and Mongolia's Steppe Road program. 

He also called on the three parties to enhance inter-connectivity in transportation, expand trade, and bolster cooperation in energy and finance. 

Battulga said it is Mongolia's unswerving policy to deepen the friendly cooperation with China and Russia, adding that his country is committed to pushing forward the trilateral cooperation and the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. 

He called on the three sides to set up institutional arrangements so as to accelerate the construction of a network of cross-border highways, facilitate customs clearance, strengthen energy cooperation, and discuss the construction of regional power grids.

Read More

Russian automaker to start selling Lada cars in Mongolia by 2020

The company is going to capture 15% of the Mongolian primary car market in a short term

BEIJING, April 19. /TASS/. The Russian automobile producer AutoVAZ will start selling Lada Xray Cross, Largus, Lada 4x4 and Granta models on the primary market in Mongolia, press service of the Russian embassy in Ulaanbaatar told TASS on Friday, citing a source in the company.

Sales will be implemented in accordance with the agreement made by the company with Mongolia’s Russo Motors, which will deal with promotion of the Russian car brand in Mongolia.

AutoVAZ is going to capture 15% of the Mongolian primary car market in a short term, the company said in a press release. The Russian automaker expects to be successful because its cars "are prepared for extreme weather conditions and challenging roads in Mongolia," AutoVAZ noted.

The Russian company will also provide repair services and support delivers of all required auto parts to the country.

AutoVAZ is the largest carmaker in Russia, which produced over 560,000 automobiles in 2018.

Source:Tass news agency of Russia

Read More

Russian influence in Mongolia is declining

Russia—once Mongolia’s principal ally—now faces stiff competition in its the landlocked country.

English is gradually replacing Russian as the most common foreign language spoken in Mongolia, as Western corporations control increasingly large segments of the Mongolian mining industry. The mineral sector is the most essential part of the Mongolian economy. The former Soviet satellite state has approximately ten percent world’s known coal reserves.

Two companies dominate the Mongolian mining industry—Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi. Oyu Tolgoi, two-thirds of which is owned by Canadian and British-Australian firms, is the dominant player in the Mongolian mining sector. Despite its poor environmental record, the Canadian mining giant Rio Tinto is increasingly influential within Mongolia. Following a 2013 disagreement between the company and the Mongolian government, Ulaanbaatar was forced to fire Tserenbat Sedvachig, the executive director of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi, the state-owned company that controls the remaining third of Oyu Tolgoi.

The second major corporation in the Mongolian mining industry is the state-owned Tavan Tolgoi. Mongolian lawmakers recently approved a plan to sell up to thirty percent of the Tavan Tolgoi coal mine, with the government officials expressing their hopes that Rio Tinto will have to maintain a level of “working cooperation” with the Mongolian mining giant.

Mining accounts for approximately one-third of Mongolia’s GDP. Mineral commodities comprise a little over eighty-nine percent of the country’s total exports. Although Western corporations like Rio Tinto maintain a strong level of influence over the country’s economy, China imports the majority of Mongolian exports. In contrast, Russia’s involvement in the Mongolian economy plummeted in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

By the 1990s, Mongolian trade with Russia declined by around eighty percent, as China’s diplomatic relationship with and economic influence over Mongolia increased. In recent years, however, Russia has sought to rebuild its ties with Mongolia to enhance its standing as a regional power. The Russian government wrote off ninety-eight percent of Mongolia’s state debt, and an agreement was signed to build an oil pipeline from Russia to China through Mongolia.

The Mongolian public retains a certain amount of nostalgia for Russia, and a recent flight of Western investment has reinforced such sentiments. During the Soviet era, Mongolia was considered the USSR’s unofficial 16th republic, with most people in the country being able to speak and understand Russian.

Today, the Russian language is far less popular with Mongolians, especially among the youth. Furthermore, even though the Cyrillic alphabet is the country’s official alphabet, young Mongolians increasingly use the Latin alphabet on their phones and social media. Nearly half of all comments made by young Mongolian Facebook users are written in the Latin alphabet, with the remaining portion being in Cyrillic. Going forward, Ulaanbaatar may make an effort to standardize the use of the Latin alphabet, which has been the trend in many former Soviet republics or Soviet aligned-states that used the Cyrillic script in an official capacity.

Russia is not only losing economic influence in Mongolia, but it is also losing cultural influence. English has replaced Russian as the most common foreign language used by many young Mongolians. This adoption is fueled by both migration and the desire to integrate further into the global economy. Even though a significant number of Mongolian schools and universities continue to teach Russian to their students, the presence of Russian culture in the country will continue to decline.

Source:globalsecurityreview.com

Read More