1. Mongolia and France to Explore New Horizons of Relations

Seven hundred and seventy years ago, in 1253, Guillaume de Rubrouck, the envoy of Louis IX of France, arrived in Kharkhorum, the capital of the Great Mongol Empire, and paid a visit to Chinggis Khaan's grandson, Munkh Khaan.

The year 2023 marked a significant chapter in the historical relationship between Mongolia and France, as it was enriched with new content. Notably, the Visit of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Mongolia in May 2023, and the Visit of the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, to France in October 2023, are a highlight of the year.

In 58 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, France, Mongolia's close partner and third neighbor in the European Union, has never visited our country at the level of a Head of State, hence, President Emmanuel Macron's Visit was defined 'historic' by observers.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's Visit is equally noteworthy as the first State Visit to France by a Mongolian Head of State. During this Visit, the Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia performed at the Royal Opera of Versailles, a home to France's rich history. Additionally, the historical exhibition 'Chinggis Khaan – How Mongols Changed the World' was inaugurated at the National History Museum of Nantes. These events marked a pivotal moment, opening a new chapter and playing a significant role in promoting Mongolia not only in France but also throughout Europe.

In 2023, the Heads of State of the two countries exchanged visits within a single year. This fact highlights the significance of France, as one of the principal forces shaping European Union policies, emerging as a close and pivotal partner for Mongolia on the European continent.

2. Pope Francis Calls for World Peace from the Heart of Asia

Pope Francis, the Head of the Holy See, paid a State Visit to Mongolia from August 31 to September 4, 2023, and made a global peace appeal from the Mongolian steppes, marking one of the notable events of the year.

The Head of the Holy See, His Holiness Pope Francis stressed that Mongolia is playing a pivotal role not only in the heart of Asia but also in the international arena with its efforts to promote human rights and peacebuilding. His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated his prayers to global peace and international laws and norms to prevail as they were firmly established under PAX MONGOLICA or “Great Peace of the Mongols”.

Thus, Pope Francis, the Head of the Holy See and the Spiritual Leader of about 1.4 billion Catholics in the world visited Mongolia, highlighted the concept of PAX MONGOLICA, promoting peaceful coexistence.

History reads that 777 years ago, at the end of August and beginning of September 1246, the Pope's envoy priest John of Plano Carpini visited Guyug Khaan, the third Khaan of the Great Mongol State, and handed over the official letter of Pope Innocent IV. Soon after, the Great Khaan sent a reply letter with a seal engraved in Mongolian script. The official copy of this official letter, which is now stored in the Vatican library, made with advanced technology, was given to President Khurelsukh as a gift by Pope Francis, the Head of the Holy See, during his State Visit to Mongolia. Pope Francis: “This gift should become a symbol of the ancient relations between Mongolia and the Holy See.”

3. COP and Mongolia’s Participation

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa participated in the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) of the United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP 28 which took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on December 1-2, 2023.

During the Summit, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa expressed Mongolia's position on combating climate change, desertification, and reducing global warming, and presented policies and activities implemented at the national level.

Mongolia has become one of the 10 countries most affected by climate change due to its geographical location and extreme continental climate. "Nowadays, with technology rapidly advancing and deeply penetrating into human life, our children are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for every nation to educate them as global citizens capable of wholeheartedly participating in the cause of cherishing Mother Nature," emphasized the President.

4. Interparliamentary Cooperation with Japan and Russia Strengthens

Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav paid an Official Visit to Japan at the invitation of the President of the House of Councilors of the National Diet of Japan Mr. Otsuji Hidehisa between March 1-5, 2023.

This Official Visit, conducted after 6 years since 2017 at the level of Chairman of the State Great Khural, is of high significance for deepening the relations and cooperation between our two countries.

Chairman of State Great Khural Mr. Zandanshatar paid a Courtesy Call on Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan on March 3, 2023, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Within the framework of Mongolia's Third Neighbor policy, which aims to deepen the relationship between Mongolia and Japan at the level of "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity", Chairman of State Great Khural Mr. Zandanshatar emphasized that Mongolia attaches great importance to the relations and cooperation developed with the "Third Neighbor" Japan, and expressed its desire to strengthen "people-centered" relations and cooperation in all fields.

The Official Visit of the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation V.V. Volodin at the invitation of the Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav on September 23-25, 2023, was one of the highlights of the year.

During the meeting and talks, the parties discussed in detail the issues of reinvigorating interparliamentary cooperation within the framework of strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and the Russian Federation and expanding cooperation in trade, economy, investment, energy, road transport, tourism, and humanitarian sectors of the two countries. The first meeting of the Joint Commission of Inter- Parliamentary Cooperation between Mongolia and the Russian Federation was organized.

5. Mongolia and China are Set to Launch Port Railway and Hydropower Projects, whereas Mongolia and the US to Upgrade the Strategic Roadmap

In 2023, the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, embarked on an Official Visit to both the People's Republic of China, Mongolia's southern neighbor, and the United States, its third neighbor. During these Visits, discussions took place regarding the principles of cooperation in the future.

Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene expressed optimism that longstanding issues with the People’s Republic of China, such as the unresolved matters concerning the railway connection of border ports and the hydroelectric power plant project, would be addressed and advanced in 2023. He anticipated that 2024 would mark the commencement of a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

As part of the Prime Minister's visit to the United States, Mongolia and the United States renewed the Economic Cooperation Roadmap of the Strategic Third Neighborhood. Also, an Open Skies Agreement was concluded between the two countries and the sides agreed to introduce direct flights from the second quarter of 2024.

The two Governments issued a "Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and the United States of America." In this Joint Statement, the parties recognized that the Strategic Partnership Declaration of 2019 serves as a solid foundation for the development and strengthening of advanced relations between Mongolia and the United States and that the relations between the two countries are developing at the highest level based on the common principles of honoring good governance, sovereignty, rule of law, and respect of human rights.

6. Mongolia Establishes Diplomatic Relations with All UN Member States

On December 6, 2023, in New York, USA, Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Amartuvshin Gombosuren and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Botswana Lemogang Kwape signed a joint statement on establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Thus, Mongolia has fully achieved its goal of establishing diplomatic relations with all of 192 UN member countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia emphasizes the importance of establishing diplomatic relations with all UN countries to overcome the difficulties faced by developing countries, to consolidate efforts on regional and global issues through multilateralism, and advocate the common interests of developing countries as member countries of the world community.

7. Oyutolgoi Commences its Underground Production Boosting Economic Recovery

In March 2023, Mongolia opened the Oyutolgoi underground mine, ranked fourth in terms of reserves and capacity, and commenced production of copper at a depth of 1.3 km.

The underground mine will produce an average of 350 thousand tons of copper in the next 5 years, and in 2028-2036 it is expected to increase production to 500 thousand tons.

Oyutolgoi underground mine has an investment of USD 7 billion, and copper production in the third quarter of this year increased by 16 percent compared to the previous quarter.

A year has passed since the rapid recovery of Mongolia's economy after the global pandemic. In 2023 Mongolia's budget deficit decreased by 60 percent, investors' trust increa­sed, and the trade balance is positive. In the first quarter of 2022, the economy fell to -3.9 percent, but bounced back to 4 percent, and in 2023 the growth reached 7 percent. As a result, Mongolia's economy is expected to grow by 7.5 percent in 2024. Also, Mongolia's official foreign exchange reserves reached USD 4.3 billion in 2023, and the tugrug exchange rate has stabilized. A major impact on economic revival was due to exports of copper, gold, and coal and the recovery of the tourism sector. For example, in the 2023 budget, Mongolia was expected to export 50 million tons of coal, however, in the first 11 months of the year, the coal export reached a historical record of 60 million tons, which is 10 million tons more than planned.

8. The State Supreme Decoration, Order of Chinggis Khaan, Conferred upon the Morin Khuur Ensemble

On November 14, 2023, the people of Mongolia solemnly celebrated “National Pride Day,” marking the 861st Anniversary of the birth of the Great Chinggis Khaan, the great leader in the history of humankind, the Man of the Millennium, and the source of the lasting pride of the Mongolian people.

On that historical day, President of Mongolia issued a decree to award the Morin Khuur Ensemble of Mongolia with the Supreme Decoration of the Mongolian State, Order of Chinggis Khaan for preserving and promoting the Morin Khuur [Horsehead Fiddle], the musical sutra of the vigor of the Mongols, the twin strings to sing the Mongol wisdom and soul, for valuable contributions to the revival of the national conscience, culture and traditions, for consolidating and elevating Mongolia’s international reputation and for advancing the knowledge and appreciation of the cultural heritage and values of the Mongol nation worldwide. In 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the Traditional Music of Instrument Morin Khuur as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 31 years since its establishment in 1992, the Morin Khuur Ensemble has performed more than 5,000 concerts in Mongolia and over 600 concerts in about 30 countries around the world. Specifically, the Ensemble performed on prestigious stages, including the Carnegie Hall, the United Nations Hall (New York, the USA), the UNESCO General Assembly Hall (Paris, France), the Royal Opera of Versailles (Paris), Nantes Conservatory (France), Vienna Philharmonic (Austria), Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre (Russia), Pearl National Theater (China), Imperial Palace and NHK Symphony Hall (Japan), and Sydney Opera House (Australia), all the while proudly promoting Mongolian heritage and culture.

9. Mongolists from around the World Convene in Ulaanbaatar

Six decades have passed since the establishment of the International Congress of Mongolists following the “First Congress of Mongolian Language” held in Ulaanbaatar in 1959. The 12th International Congress of Mongolists took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 9-14, 2023, bringing together more than 500 scholars and researchers from 27 countries.

The central theme of the 12th International Congress was "Pax Mongolica and Historical Experience." The Congress had six sections: Prehistory and History of Mongolia and the Mongols; Current Situation and Historical Development of Mongolian Language and Literature; Mongolian Society, Economy, Politics, and Legislation; Mongolia’s Relations with the Outside World; Mongolian Culture: Tradition and Innovation; and Young Mongolists Conference.

A total of 307 Mongolists from over 20 countries, including the USA, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Canada, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Türkiye, Hungary, Germany, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Czech Republic, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of China, the Kingdom of Norway, Italy and Denmark, delivered their presentations on Mongol studies. The Congress hosted activities to support the young generation of Mongolists, including a conference for doctoral researchers, where 59 young Mongolists presented their research findings. During the Congress, the Great Scholars Award was presented to Mongolists who created the best scientific works and tremendously contributing to Mongolian literature, cultural heritage, and manuscripts. Additionally, "Mongolists" postage stamps, which glorified interna­tional Mongolists, were released.

Currently, there are 43 centers worldwide dedicated to Mongol studies, including 20 centers conducting supplementary research in related fields of Mon­gol studies, such as Central Asia, Eurasia, and Inner Asia.

10. Ulaanbaatar Hosts East Asian Youth Games

Mongolia successfully hosted the "Ulaanbaatar 2023" East Asian Youth Games (EAYG) on August 16-23, 2023.

The continental multisport event featuring 12 categories of 11 sports competitions, including judo, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, athletics, taekwondo, boxing, football, e-sport, badminton, and basketball (3x3), was held in Mongolia for the first time. The East Asian Olympic Committee unites nine National Olympic Committees. Over 800 athletes from seven National Olympic Committees competed in the Youth Games 2023.

Conventionally, the EAYG has nine to ten sports categories, but the host country is eligible to add two to three more. This year, the East Asian Olympic Committee accepted Mongolia's proposal to include e-sports, wrestling, and boxing in the “Ulaanbaatar-2023.” The People’s Republic of China topped the medal tally with 89 medals–38 gold, 32 silver, and 19 bronze, followed by Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Chinese Taipei. Mongolia rounded off the 2023 East Asian Youth Games in fifth place with 44 medals, including three gold, 13 silver, and 28 bronze. The EAYG 2023 convened over 1,200 volunteers, 226 coaches, 123 technical and referee representatives appointed by Asian sports federations, and 191 national judges and technical staff. By successfully hosting the East Asian Youth Games, Mongolia has opened the door to hosting future high-level international sports events.