The 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable in February 2025 established a political dialogue to enhance the partnership between the two countries. Key topics included economic growth through increased trade, climate change commitments, women’s empowerment, and responsible mining practices. The meeting emphasized cooperation across various sectors and the importance of democratic values.
On February 26, 2025, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan in London. The meeting marked the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable and initiated the first annual political dialogue based on the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership. The discussions underscored the robust relationship between the two nations, highlighting shared democratic values and an evolving economic partnership.
Both representatives acknowledged the increasing geopolitical tensions and committed to adhering to the principles of the UN Charter. They emphasized the importance of upholding international law and urged nations to refrain from actions that undermine territorial integrity and political independence. Their collaborative efforts aim to maintain these shared principles in the face of global challenges.
In matters of economic growth, Minister West and DPM Amarsaikhan expressed their intention to enhance trade and investment between the UK and Mongolia. They discussed engaging with UK Export Finance to explore funding for Ulaanbaatar’s metro system and sought to reduce trade barriers to foster a more stable and transparent business environment, thereby promoting mutual economic advancement.
The urgency of addressing climate change was another key topic. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitments to fulfill their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and welcomed recent funding from the NDC Partnership to aid Mongolia in achieving its climate objectives. They advocated for public-private partnerships to utilize public financing effectively, aligning investments with both nations’ climate strategies.
Advancing women’s empowerment was also prioritized, with both Ministers reaffirming their dedication to gender equality. Minister West praised Mongolia’s recent elections that resulted in increased female parliamentary representation, while DPM Amarsaikhan noted the UK’s achievements in female representation post-2024 elections. They pledged collaboration in multilateral forums, particularly in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Furthermore, the Ministers acknowledged the significance of responsibly extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth while preserving its environmental legacy. They discussed the need for high environmental and social standards in mining practices and reaffirmed their commitment to a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.
In the realm of education and civil society, the benefits of existing ties were celebrated, particularly through student exchanges and scholarship programs initiated by both governments. Minister West reiterated support for enhancing English language education in Mongolia and exploring further opportunities for higher education collaborations, as well as cultural exchanges that include the forthcoming Arts of the Mongol World exhibition in London.
Both leaders recognized the critical role that civil society organizations play in promoting democratic values and committed to further engagement with diverse civil society groups to strengthen democratic discourse. They looked forward to future high-level visits that would continue to reinforce the relations between the UK and Mongolia.
In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the roundtable, DPM Amarsaikhan engaged with Minister Gareth Thomas, discussing strategies to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and economic growth.
The UK-Mongolia roundtable in February 2025 marked a significant step in establishing an annual political dialogue to strengthen bilateral relations. Both nations are committed to enhancing economic cooperation, addressing climate change, promoting gender equality, and fostering educational and civil society ties. The ongoing dialogues emphasize a shared commitment to democratic values and international collaboration, setting the groundwork for future partnerships.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
