Key Agreements between the United States and Mongolia, 1987–2012
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Mongolian People’s Republic Concerning Facilitation of the Work of Diplomatic Missions (January 27, 1987)
Agreement for Cooperation in Cultural and Educational Exchange between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Mongolian People’s Republic (September 29, 1989)
Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Mongolian People’s Republic through the United States Peace Corps in the Mongolian People’s Republic (August 2, 1990)
Investment Incentive Agreement (September 29, 1990)
Agreement on Trade Relations (January 23, 1991)
Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Facilitation of the Work of Diplomatic Missions (March 27, 1992)
Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mongolia Concerning Economic, Technical and Related Assistance (September 8, 1992)
Treaty between the United States of America and Mongolia Concerning the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investment (October 6, 1994)
Agreement Regarding Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters (June 19, 1996)
Agreement on Military Exchanges and Visits between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mongolia (June 26, 1996)
Agreement for Cooperation in the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program (May 6, 1997)
Agreement Concerning the Employment of Dependents of Official Government Employees (April 5, 1999)
Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Earth Sciences (April 2/June 26, 2003)
Joint Statement on Bilateral and Regional Cooperation (January 31, 2004)
Basic Exchange and Cooperative Agreement Concerning Geospatial Information and Services Cooperation (March 22, 2004)
Agreement Concerning the International School of Ulaanbaatar (May 26, 2004)
Joint Statement between the United States and Mongolia (July 15, 2004)
Millennium Challenge Compact between the United States of America Acting through the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Government of Mongolia (October 22, 2007)
Cooperation to Suppress the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Their Delivery Systems and Related Materials by Sea (October 23, 2007)
Joint Statement on Expansion of Educational Exchanges between the United States and Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia (January 25, 2010)
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mongolia on Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (September 22, 2010)
Joint Statement between the United States and Mongolia Following the Meeting between President Obama and President Elbegdorj at the White House (June 16, 2011)
US Ambassadors and Heads of Agencies in Mongolia, 1987–2012
Ambassadors
Richard Williams, 1988–90
Joseph Lake, 1990–93
Donald Johnson, 1993–96
Alphonse La Porta, 1997–2000
John Dinger, 2000–03
Pamela Slutz, 2003–06
Mark Minton, 2006–09
Jonathan Addleton, 2009–12
Piper Campbell, 2012–present
Peace Corps Directors
Chuck Howell, 1991–93
Jean Mead, 1993–96
Mark Zober, 1996–98
Rob Schexnayder, 1998–2001
Ken Heldenfeld, 2001–03
Helen Lowman, 2003–04
Carol Chappell, 2004
Ken Goodson, 2005–07
Jim Carl, 2007–2010
Ellen Paquetta, 2010–12
Darlene Grant, 2012–present
USAID Directors
Robert Friedline, 1991–92
Bill Nance, 1992–94
Chuck Howell, 1995–96
Ed Birgells, 1997–2001
Jonathan Addleton, 2001–04
Skip Waskin, 2004–06
Barry Primm, 2006–09
Chuck Howell, 2009–11
Frank Donovan, 2012–present
MCC Country Director
Robert Reid, 2008–present
Defense Attachés
Major John Baker, 1999–2001
Lt. Col. Tom Wilhelm, 2001–03
Lt. Col. Mark Gillette, 2003–06
Lt. Col. Antonio Chow, 2006–07
Lt. Col. Matthew Schwab, 2007–08
Lt. Col. David Tatman, 2008–10
Lt. Col. Jonathan Lau, 2010–present
U.S.-Mongolia Joint Statement Issued at the White House June 16, 2011
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the President of Mongolia, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, today reaffirmed their commitment to a United States–Mongolia comprehensive partnership based on common values and shared strategic interests. They emphasized their countries’ common interest in protecting and promoting freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide, and continued their intention to strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people ties so as to support economic growth and deepen the bonds of friendship between their two peoples. The two sides underscored their commitment to promoting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region through closer regional cooperation and support for regional multilateral institutions.
The United States and Mongolia reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to the principles of cooperation outlined in the 2007 U.S.-Mongolia Joint Statement, and to the consensus reached in the 2004 and 2005 U.S.-Mongolian Joint Statements. The United States applauded the progress made by the Mongolian people in the past 22 years to deepen the foundations of their young democracy, congratulated Mongolia on assuming the Chairmanship of the Community of Democracies in July 2011, and expressed its full support and close cooperation with Mongolia in successfully fulfilling the Chair’s responsibilities.
Mongolia welcomed and supported the key role played by the United States as an Asia-Pacific nation in securing peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The United States reaffirmed its support for a secure and prosperous Mongolia that plays an active role in regional affairs and that promotes strong, friendly and open relations with its neighbors. The United States and Mongolia pledged to work together to address their shared economic, security and development interests through regional institutions in the Asia-Pacific and through the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
The two sides committed to further develop their countries’ strong economic partnership. The United States confirmed its support for Mongolia’s efforts to integrate its economy into regional and international economic and financial institutions. Mongolia expressed its appreciation for continued U.S. support and economic assistance. Mongolia noted the important role that U.S. companies, with their internationally leading management, technical, safety, environmental and sustainable mining practices, will play in the development of the country’s coal, other mineral resources, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and tourism industries. The United States welcomed Mongolian International Airlines’ decision to purchase Boeing commercial jetliners and its declared intention to expand its fleet further with U.S. aircraft in the future. The United States and Mongolia expressed their intention to ensure a welcoming investment and business climate for each other’s companies. In this regard, the two sides highlighted the importance of concluding the negotiations and signing a bilateral Transparency Agreement by the end of 2011, taking into full account the resources, capacity and legal processes of each country. In order to further deepen economic ties, the two sides signed additional memoranda aimed at trade promotion and aviation cooperation.
Mongolia expressed its thanks for the support provided by the United States under the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Agreement, and both sides looked forward to the continued successful implementation of Compact projects that will increase transparency, stimulate sustained economic growth and alleviate poverty in Mongolia. The Mongolian side expressed its intention to take the necessary steps to qualify for consideration for a second MCC Compact Agreement.
The United States thanked Mongolia for its support of the international coalition in Afghanistan, for its announced intention to re-deploy peacekeeping forces to Iraq, and for the country’s notable support for UN peacekeeping efforts in Africa. Mongolia thanked the United States for the support it provided to Mongolia’s Defense Reform Program. As part of this effort, the nations are working together to build an air mobility capability to support peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations. Both sides decided to continue practical cooperation in peacekeeping training through exercises such as Gobi Wolf, Khaan Quest and Pacific Angel.
The United States and Mongolia have decided to explore mutually advantageous activities in nuclear energy based on the September 2010 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. The United States recognized and supported the Mongolian Nuclear Initiative, and applauded Mongolia’s nuclear weapons free status. Mongolia confirmed its support for President Obama’s Prague vision to include the call for a “New International Framework.”
The United States and Mongolia expressed their intention to deepen and broaden people-to-people ties. Building on the creativity of our societies, both countries emphasized the importance that educational and cultural exchanges play in the bilateral relationship, and confirmed the role that innovative public-private partnerships can play in strengthening bilateral ties.
U.S. Senate Resolution on Mongolia Sponsored by Senators Kerry, McCain, Murkowski, and Webb June 17, 2011
Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj’s visit to Washington, DC, and its support for the growing partnership between the United States and Mongolia.
Whereas the United States Government established diplomatic relations with the Government of Mongolia in January 1987, followed by the opening of a United States Embassy in Ulaanbaatar in June 1988;
Whereas in 1990, the Government of Mongolia declared an end to one-party Communist rule and initiated lasting democratic and free market reforms;
Whereas the United States Government has a longstanding commitment, based on its interests and values, to encouraging economic and political reforms in Mongolia, having made sizeable contributions to that end since 1991;
Whereas in 1991, the United States (1) signed a bilateral trade agreement that restored normal trade relations with Mongolia; and (2) established a Peace Corps program in Mongolia that has had 869 total volunteers since 1991;
Whereas in 1999, the United States granted permanent normal trade relations status to Mongolia;
Whereas the Government of Mongolia has increasingly participated in the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, among other international organizations;
Whereas in 2007, the House Democracy Partnership began a program to provide parliamentary assistance to the State Great Hural, the Parliament of Mongolia, to promote transparency, legislative independence, access to information and government oversight;
Whereas on May 24, 2009, the people of Mongolia completed the country’s fourth free, fair, and peaceful democratic election, which resulted in the election of opposition Democratic Party candidate Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj;
Whereas in July 2011, Mongolia will assume the two-year chairmanship of the Community of Democracies;
Whereas in 2013, Mongolia will host the Seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Democracies in Ulaanbaatar;
Whereas the Government of Mongolia continues to work with the United States Government to combat global terrorism;
Whereas Mongolia deployed about 990 soldiers to Iraq from 2003 to 2008 and has 190 troops in Afghanistan;
Whereas in 2010, the Government of Mongolia deployed a United Nations Level II hospital in Darfur, Sudan;
Whereas the Government of Mongolia has actively promoted international peacekeeping efforts by sending soldiers (1) to protect the Special Court of Sierra Leone; (2) to support the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Kosovo; and (3) to support United Nations missions in several African countries;
Whereas the Government of Mongolia has built a successful partnership since 2003 with the Alaska National Guard that includes humanitarian and peacekeeping exercises and efforts;
Whereas the United States and the Government of Mongolia share a common interest in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia and Central Asia;
Whereas in 1991 and 1992, the Government of Mongolia signed denuclearization agreements committing Mongolia to remain a nuclear weapons–free state;
Whereas in 2010, Mongolia became the Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency;
Whereas in 2010, the United States and Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cooperation on the peaceful use of civil nuclear energy;
Whereas the National Security Administration and the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Government of Mongolia successfully completed training on response mechanisms to potential terrorist attacks;
Whereas between 1991 and 2011, the United States Government granted assistance to Mongolia (1) to advance the legal and regulatory environment for business and financial markets, including the mining sector; (2) to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) to support good governance programming;
Whereas in 2007, the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed an agreement with Mongolia to promote sustainable economic growth and to reduce poverty by focusing on property rights, vocational education, health, transportation, energy and the environment;
Whereas Mongolia’s plan to enhance its rail infrastructure promises to diversify its trading and investment partners, to open up new markets for its mineral exports, and to position Mongolia as a bridge between Asia and Europe;
Whereas the United States has assisted Mongolia’s efforts (1) to address the effects of the global economic crisis; (2) to promote sound economic, trade and energy policy, with particular attention to the banking and mining sectors; (3) to facilitate commercial law development; and (4) to further activities with Mongolia’s peacekeeping forces and military;
Whereas in January 2010 (1) the United States Government and the Government of Mongolia agreed to promote greater academic exchange opportunities; (2) the Mongolian Ministry of Education, Culture and Science pledged to financially support the U.S.-Mongolia Fulbright Program; and (3) the United States Department of State announced its intention to increase its base allocation for the U.S.-Mongolia Fulbright Program in fiscal year 2010;
Whereas in 2011, Mongolia is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of its independence;
Whereas on June 16, 2011, President Elbegdorj, during a working visit to the United States, is scheduled to meet with President Barack Obama, Congressional leaders, academics, and representatives of the business community;
Whereas in late 2011, Vice President Joseph Biden is scheduled to travel to Mongolia to highlight our shared interests and values;
Now therefore be it resolved that it is the sense of the Senate that:
(1) Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj’s historic visit to Washington, DC, cements the growing friendship between the government and people of the United States and Mongolia;
(2) The continued commitment of the Mongolian people and the Government of Mongolia to advancing democratic reforms, strengthening transparency, and the rule of law, and protecting investment deserves acknowledgement and celebration;
(3) The United States Government should (a) continue to promote economic cooperation; and (b) consider next steps in securing increased investment and trade to promote prosperity for both countries;
(4) The United States Government should continue to support the Government of Mongolia as it works with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to improve its economic system and accelerate development; and
(5) The United States Government should continue to expand upon existing academic, cultural and other people-to-people exchanges with Mongolia.