The sixth political consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was held in Canberra on October 2. The consultations were co-chaired by L.Munkhtushig, State Secretary of Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mongolia’s Ambassador to Australia D.Davaasuren and diplomatic officials, as well as representatives from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Defence, Department of Home Affairs, Australian Trade and Investment Commission and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, also attended.
The two sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of Mongolia-Australia relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in politics, defence, trade, agriculture, mining, energy, education, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and consular affairs. They also discussed planned visits, business activities and cultural and artistic events to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Australia next year. The two sides welcomed the Mongolian Government’s decision to establish a Consulate General in Sydney, noting that it would help increase people-to-people exchanges and improve access to consular services.
During the consultations, the two countries also confirmed their intention to elevate bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Partnership” and reached agreement on the draft document related to the upgrade. The sides additionally discussed international and regional developments, including common challenges facing energy markets, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation through the United Nations and other international organizations. The Mongolian delegation, led by State Secretary L.Munkhtushig, also visited the Crisis Coordination Centre and the Diplomatic Academy under Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to learn about their operations.
