Mongolia News Summary for July 14, 2024

The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.

Mongolia and Bhutan Sign Documents on Relations and Cooperation

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

The state visit of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, continues at the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh.

During the visit, the parties signed documents to develop cooperation in agriculture, livestock, culture, education, health, press, and information sectors.

These include:

• "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Kingdom of Bhutan on Cooperation in Highland Animal Husbandry and Pasture Development"

This will develop cooperation to improve livestock genetics, introduce advanced technologies in the sector, and increase livestock productivity through embryo exchange.

In this framework, they will collaborate to increase the genetic capacity of yak, horse, and sheep herds, develop livestock products, and increase economic opportunities by diversifying dairy products based on market demand. They will also exchange experiences in improving and restoring pastures to enhance pasture resources and ecosystems.

• "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia and the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Bhutan on Cooperation in the Education Sector"

This will develop bilateral cooperation, including student exchanges in traditional medicine, handicrafts, traditional culture, and arts.

International conferences and meetings will be organized in the fields of education and science.

• "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of Mongolia and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Bhutan on Cooperation in the Cultural Sector"

This lays the foundation for expanding and developing cultural relations, supporting the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, and promoting inter-museum training and cultural exchanges. It was agreed to develop cooperation with the Culture and Language Agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bhutan in areas such as tradition, religious studies, and linguistics.

• "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health of Mongolia and the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Bhutan on Cooperation in the Traditional Medicine Sector"

This will facilitate the exchange of traditional medicine doctors and professionals, provide training, and share knowledge and best practices on disease prevention and traditional medicine production.

• "Memorandum of Understanding between the Mongolian National Public Radio and Television (MNB) and the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (BBSC) on Cooperation in Television and Radio Broadcasting"

This will involve exchanging content and best practices, co-creating productions, and sharing information in the information technology sector. The information exchange aims to increase public knowledge about each country and educate, thereby strengthening relations not only between the two countries but also between their citizens.

Within the framework of His Majesty's first state visit, documents were established to strengthen the legal basis of relations and cooperation, and agreements were reached to develop mutually beneficial sectors of common interest for both countries, such as agriculture, livestock, traditional medicine, culture and arts, customs, and national costume art.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/09/president/jng

U.Khurelsukh: Being a State Minister is not a game. You have no right to escape responsibility

Published: Wed, 10 Jul 2024

Prime Minister of Mongolia L.Oyun-Erdene introduced the members of the new Government to the President of Mongolia this morning.

Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene: Respected President of Mongolia, Head of State, in accordance with our consultation and within the scope of my constitutional powers, I considered it appropriate to consult with political parties and form a coalition government. The political parties have agreed after the election, and today's coalition government is based on the fundamental principle of quickly solving the pressing issues of Mongolia's development. The three parties that won the most seats in parliament, as well as the three parties that made the political decision to amend the Constitution of Mongolia and transition to a mixed system, signed a memorandum to form a coalition government. Within 30 days of the formation of the government, a joint program of government activities will be issued.

President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh: We must work with political unity for the sake of our country. We have been talking for many years about increasing our parliamentary representation, further consolidating our democracy, and improving our parliamentary governance. The head of state supported this. I haven't been talking about various issues to the Government of Mongolia and political parties in the past. You all know that. Starting today, if elected, the fate of Mongolia will be in your hands. You have no right to escape responsibility. We will work together, we will bear responsibility together. The fate of Mongolia is now in your hands. There will be no living without control. Political parties will monitor, parliament will monitor, the President will monitor. You need to work responsibly most importantly. The President will support all your good things. If you do something wrong, I will be strict from the beginning. Let me say this at our first meeting. Being a State Minister is not a game. It's not a job that someone dreams of and comes true. You will hold the state seal. Besides being a pillar of the Mongolian state, you will be a state minister. It's a very responsible job. I hope this parliament will be a parliament of responsibility. The same goes for the government.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/10/president/ehp

WARNING: Two Children Drowned Yesterday

Published: Wed, 10 Jul 2024

During these Naadam festival days, many people travel to rural areas for recreation. However, due to lack of caution, the number of drowning incidents in rivers and lakes continues to increase. Specifically, yesterday, July 9th, two children drowned in the capital and in the countryside.

First, in Zavkhan province, Urgamal soum, Nuur Zookhii bag, at a place called "Gun nuur" (307 km northwest of the provincial center, 70 km north of the soum center), a family of 5 was resting on the shore of "Gun" lake when their child drowned while floating with an inflatable tube. The emergency call was received at 22:40 on July 6th. The Search and Rescue Team of the province's Emergency Department and the Search and Rescue Team from Songino soum organized a search operation for X (16-year-old male) starting at 06:00 on July 9th. At 11:15 on the same day, they recovered the body from a depth of 3 meters (200 meters from the shore) and handed it over to the provincial police investigators.

Second, in Ulaanbaatar city, Songinokhairkhan district, 20th khoroo, a call about a young child drowning while swimming in a pond was received at 12:08 on July 9th. When the Capital City Rescue Unit personnel arrived, they found the body of A (17-year-old male) floating in the pond. They retrieved it using a rescue boat and handed it over to the 1st Police Department of the district.

Therefore, we urge the public to be cautious when traveling and recreating, and to take preventive measures against potential risks.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/10/fact/fhs

NEMA: 85 people have drowned during Naadam holiday periods since 2019

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning in connection with the upcoming Naadam festival.

D.Bat-Erdene, Colonel and Head of the Prevention Department at NEMA, stated:

Since the beginning of the year, 40 people have lost their lives due to water accidents. With the Naadam festival approaching and multiple days of holidays, there will be increased travel and leisure activities in rural areas, leading to a higher risk of water accidents. Specifically, during the five-day Naadam holiday period, 14 people lost their lives in 2019, 17 in 2020, 26 in 2021, 20 in 2022, and 8 in 2023 due to water accidents.

Therefore, it is important to rest and travel responsibly during the Naadam festival days. Over the past holiday period, five people lost their lives. Yesterday, on Monday, three people drowned. Among the aforementioned 40 fatalities, nine were young children.

People are losing their lives for various reasons, such as attempting to cross rivers with vehicles, motorcycles, or horses. They are trying to cross at places without proper crossings, entering rivers during floods to chase after livestock, and so on. Even people who claim to know how to swim are drowning after entering the water.

Swimming abilities can vary greatly. People learn to swim in pools. After learning to swim in pools, they attempt to swim in any lake or river they come across and end up losing their lives. Many child fatalities occur due to lack of proper supervision.

Therefore, we urge citizens to understand that it's not possible to stop and enter every lake or river they encounter while traveling or resting. This can be very dangerous for you. It's necessary to rest far away from rivers and water bodies.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/09/event/njn

Economy

Published: Unknown

The journalists of the iToim.mn news site are a professional team with 3-20 years of experience in the journalism field. They aim to localize a new style of digital journalism in Mongolia that summarizes the positions of independent and professional experts from their sources, and delivers the truth of events and causal conclusions to the public.

Contact:

7707-7758

info@itoim.mn

Partnership

© 2024 Blue Brother NGO

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/s/economy

Government

Published: Unknown

Government

Politics Government Increased funding for kindergarten children's meals

Politics Government L. Oyun-Erdene: The Savings Fund is a new national system to expand the middle class

Politics Government A 15.3 km tunnel road will be built from Khurkhree Valley to Nomtyn Valley of Bogdkhan Mountain

The journalists of iToim.mn news site are a professional team with 3-20 years of experience in the journalism field. They aim to localize a new style of digital journalism in Mongolia that summarizes the positions of independent and professional experts from their sources, and delivers conclusions about the truth and reasons behind events to the public.

Contact: 7707-7758 info@itoim.mn

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/s/politic/government

PARLIAMENT SESSION: All government procurement tenders to be given to the HUN party

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

The HUN party will be given all government procurement tenders

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/ln/2024/07/09/parliament/gdl

KHAAN Bank Raises Social Bond Financing from Mongolia for the First Time

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

KHAAN Bank has successfully organized the issuance of Mongolia's first Social Bond in the international market with the investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. With the proceeds from this bond, KHAAN Bank aims to support projects and programs that have a positive social impact, such as healthcare, education, food and agriculture, infrastructure, and affordable housing programs. The goal is to better serve target customers, increase their financial inclusion, and support the country's sustainable development policy. It will also expand its portfolio of social financing and create jobs for micro and small-medium enterprises, with a special focus on supporting women-led small and medium businesses.

The three-year, $130 million Social Bond, offered privately to international investors, includes an investment of up to $100 million from KHAAN Bank's long-term partner IFC. IFC also supported the development of the "Social Bond Framework" (SBF) document in alignment with the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)'s "Social Bond Principles". This document has been reviewed and verified by Sustainable Fitch, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, to ensure compliance with social bond principles requirements.

According to the "Social Bond Framework", the bank intends to use the bond's proceeds to finance potential projects and initiatives that will have a positive impact on addressing social issues in Mongolia. These include projects in education, healthcare, affordable housing construction, development of essential infrastructure, food production, and agricultural projects. The target groups for financing include herders, farmers, rural residents with limited access to services, micro and small-medium business employers, and women entrepreneurs. Additionally, IFC will provide a 12-month advisory service to improve the bank's capacity to manage the social financing loan portfolio and guide the bank on social financing and impact management.

"This bond investment is a historic event not only for our bank but also for the Mongolian banking sector. By issuing the first Social Bond from Mongolia, we will specifically support important projects and programs that will create positive changes and benefits for society. As the largest bank in the country, we are pleased to set an example in increasing financial inclusion in target sectors, strengthening economic capacity, and supporting environmental sustainability to create positive impacts," said R. Munkhtuyaa, CEO of KHAAN Bank.

"As one of the first issuers of social securities and a leader in developing such financial instruments, IFC is pleased to have provided the necessary support to KHAAN Bank in issuing its first Social Bond. Through this investment, IFC is providing KHAAN Bank, a market-leading player, with the opportunity to attract financing for eligible social projects, while also laying the foundation for Social Bonds to become a new type of long-term financing in the Mongolian capital market," said Mr. Rufat Alimardanov, IFC Resident Representative in Mongolia.

In March 2023, IFC, along with the Dutch development bank (FMO) and US-based MicroVest company, invested a total of $60 million in Mongolia's first green bond issued by KHAAN Bank in the international market. The bank has fully utilized the proceeds from this bond, increasing its green loan portfolio from 105 billion tugriks in 2022 to 377.4 billion tugriks in 2023, achieving a 257% growth within a year. Currently, KHAAN Bank accounts for 47% of all green loans issued in the market and is actively working to introduce green and sustainable financing solutions to its customers.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/09/for-you/she

U. Khurelsukh: We are starting our unique Mongolian festival with full splendor and glory

Published: Thu, 11 Jul 2024

"Free citizens of the sovereign state of Mongolia,

Mongolian brothers and sisters scattered all over the world,

His Majesty the King and Queen of Bhutan, and honored guests visiting the heartland of the Great Mongol Empire, our beautiful country,

Dear Naadam participants,

On this beautiful summer day when Father Sky bestows rain, Mother Earth provides nourishment, the world adorns itself with colors, and the hearts of the people are uplifted, the Great Festival of the heaven-destined Mongolian people, the National Great Festival Naadam, is ready to begin with full ceremony.

The Mongolian Naadam is the great celebration of Father Sky, Mother Earth, and precious humans, the memory of the Mongolian state, the symbol of unity and independence of the Mongolian people, and the spiritual and existential immunity of us Mongolians with ancient history and the power of harmony. To the spectators eagerly awaiting our unique Mongolian Naadam, a priceless cultural heritage of humanity, and to the honored guests visiting our beautiful country, I extend greetings on the historic 2233rd anniversary of the founding of the First State, the 818th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire, the 113th anniversary of the restoration of national freedom and independence, and the 103rd anniversary of the People's Revolution.

Dear esteemed citizens of our country,

Mongolia, with its proud history of statehood and rich cultural traditions, is the ancient cradle of humanity, the sacred hearth of powerful nomadic empires, and a symbol of spiritual freedom and peace. Therefore, in order to preserve, protect, promote, and pass on to future generations the great history, culture, heritage, and traditions of our ancestors, the President of Mongolia has issued decrees to respectfully enshrine the portrait of Chinggis Khaan, to rebuild the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, and to honor, revere, and promote the Horse-head fiddle, the pride of the Mongolian nation.

Also, in order to study and analyze our history and make it accessible to the people, we have started the major work of creating a detailed explanatory dictionary of "The Secret History of the Mongols" for the first time, and creating a comprehensive 20-volume book on the great history of the Mongolian nation that changed the world.

On this beautiful day of the National Great Festival, I am pleased to announce to our people that we have permanently and gloriously raised the State Flag with the golden Soyombo, which is the expression of the historical tradition, aspirations, unity, justice, and spirit of the Mongolian people, in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Dear citizens,

We Mongolians are a proud people who, 100 years ago, adopted our first Constitution, established a Republican government, and guaranteed our right to universal suffrage. This historic anniversary year, our people have further strengthened our democratic government, consolidated our parliamentary system, and elected the State Great Khural, the supreme governing body of the state, with 126 members for the first time.

On behalf of our people, I congratulate you, the members of the State Great Khural and the Government, who have received the trust and broad support of the voters and have sworn an oath to the state and the people to inherit the golden reins of the thousand-year-old Mongolian state at this time, and wish you great success in your state affairs. As representatives of the people, you must be true to your oath, always honor and uphold the independence, national security, and unity of our country, demonstrate the highest ethical leadership, value harmony, observe rules, be trustworthy, and strive for the development and progress of our Mongolia. May you respond to the trust and hope of the masses with sincere effort and uphold the honorable title of "State Pillar" bestowed upon you by our people.

My Mongolian citizens,

We Mongolians, who guard the hearth of the Great Mongol Empire founded by the Great Chinggis Khaan, are now beginning our unique "Mongolian Naadam" in full color and perfect glory, raising our Nine-legged White Banner, the great idol of statehood, to the eternal blue sky, praising the sun of the gentle Jambudvipa with our long songs, delighting the golden earth with the melody of our fiddle, and rejoicing our people and mountains and waters.

May the might of the strong wrestlers fill the universe, may the thundering of swift steeds shake the steppes, may the powerful arrows of the skilled archers whistle in the blue sky, and may my Mongolian people, bright-minded and highly gifted, celebrate in great numbers until the hills are flattened.

May Mongolia prosper under the power of the Eternal Blue Sky."

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347630

President of Mongolia Attends Young Horse Race

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, Chairman of the State Great Khural Dashdorjiin Amarbayasgalan, and Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene attended the young horse race at Khui Doloon Khudag today.

The 3-year-old horse race was won by the brown horse of Kh. Bökhbat, a famous horse trainer from Selenge soum of Bulgan aimag, who received the silk reins.

The President of Mongolia then visited the "Bogd's Speed" camp at Khui Doloon Khudag. At this camp, the sacred yellow stallion trained by S. Gal-Erdene, a famous horse trainer from Gurvanbulag soum of Bulgan aimag, won first place in this year's stallion race.

President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh congratulated the horse trainers and the gathered festival-goers, wishing them success in the Naadam festival.

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347671

DORNOD: Celebrated with Khalkh, Buryat, Tunh, and Uzemchin archery

Published: Sat, 13 Jul 2024

The Dornod province is famous for its skilled archers. Every year during the Naadam festival, they compete in Khalkh, Buryat, Bargyn Tunh, and Uzemchin archery, which is unique compared to other provinces.

In recent years, interest in archery among young people has been increasing. There are about 4,000 archers nationwide. Of these, no fewer than 1,300 archers compete in the national Naadam. Additionally, there are over 40 national-level master archers nationwide, half of whom are from the Dornod region.

Interestingly, Tunh archery has a history of development since the 1800s. Uzemchin archery, on the other hand, has been developing rapidly in recent years in connection with the organization of the "Golden Stirrup" festival. This archery style is characterized by shooting at a target after a half-turn.

In this year's provincial Naadam festival, more than 60 archers participated in the National Archery competition, and about 220 archers competed in the Knucklebone Shooting competition.

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347722

Schedule of Border Checkpoints' Operating and Rest Hours

Published: Sat, 13 Jul 2024

Here is the July working schedule for Mongolia's border checkpoints.

[An image showing the schedule is mentioned but not included in the text]

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2738857/

University Registration Will Continue for the Next 7 Days

Published: Sat, 13 Jul 2024

University classes will begin on August 26. According to preliminary statistics from the ministry, over 130,000 students will study at 88 universities and colleges this academic year. The general entrance exam was unique as it has shifted to being held twice a year. As a result, the number of university applicants has been high in recent years. We have compiled information on tuition fees for university applicants.

The National University of Mongolia website is providing up-to-date information on admissions. Applicants to this university have submitted their admission requests online. After this registration is completed, the process of granting admission rights has begun. Ranking information can be viewed by clicking the "View Rankings" button on the website. Due to high traffic on the online registration system, login speeds may be slow. Students are advised to be patient and can call 75754400-1153 for admission information if needed. The National University of Mongolia announced that it has not increased tuition fees for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The minimum score for the Mongolian State University of Education is 480, and students enrolling in teaching majors who scored high on the General Entrance Exam can receive 50-100% government scholarships. This university has been conducting online registration since spring 2021. Registration is still open for students who took the General Entrance Exam last year, and it has not been finalized whether MSUE's tuition fees will increase this year. Depending on the specifics of teaching and other majors, one credit is valued between 78,000-94,000 tugan.

For the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, online registration has finished and the applicant score rankings have been released. As a result, students have begun selecting their majors depending on their department and field of study. Regarding fees, credits are priced differently. The School of Foreign Languages has cheaper credit valuations, while the School of Construction and Architecture and the School of Production Technology have higher fees.

The School of Medicine and Traditional Medicine has a six-year training program, the Schools of Biomedicine, Dentistry, Public Health, and Pharmacy have five-year programs, and other branch schools have four to five-year training programs. In 2024, it will operate with 41 departments.

Regarding tuition fees: - Bachelor's degree credits cost 99,000-119,790 tugriks - Diploma program credits cost 23,000-67,200 tugriks - Nursing majors with General Entrance Exam scores above 501 in two subjects are eligible for scholarships.

The National University of Commerce and Business has not increased its tuition fees. Students can typically take 12-19 credits per semester. Registration for the 2023-2024 academic year bachelor's programs ended this month. Applicant students have successfully completed their online registration. All registered applicants are now taking skills tests via the online training platform as specified in sections 2.2 and 4.3 of the admission regulations.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, 52 member schools of the Mongolian University and College Consortium will be accepting registrations on EES.EDU.MN.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2738799/

Tourists: Eagerly Awaiting the Mongolian Naadam

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

The National Great Festival Naadam is continuing its second day. While the fourth round of wrestling is taking place at the Central Stadium, horse racing for two-year-old horses is happening at Khui Doloon Khudag. This year's Naadam has favorable weather, and the festival program has left a positive impression on both domestic and foreign visitors. We asked for impressions from tourists who came to see this year's Naadam.

Regarding the tourists, they have come from various countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Singapore, Holland, and the USA, either individually, with families, or in tour groups. Most of them are visiting Mongolia for the first time to see the Naadam.

According to the tourists, the opening ceremony of Naadam left a strong impression. They said it was truly beautiful how the national history, culture, traditional deel clothing, and artistic performances all represented Mongolia.

Tourists who came from abroad have planned extensively to see the Naadam, creating detailed itineraries for places to visit and activities to do in Mongolia. However, they expressed regret that they couldn't see all the beautiful places and Naadam activities in Mongolia within 5-7 days. On the first day, tourists watched the Naadam opening ceremony, wrestling, archery, and ankle bone shooting. Today, some plan to go to Khui Doloon Khudag, while most intend to visit the countryside.

The thing they most want to do in the countryside is to ride horses in the open steppe, feeling the wind.

People who have visited Naadam in previous years are also revisiting to see the opening ceremony again and heading to provinces and districts they haven't been to before. They say the Naadam opening program instills a great sense of pride in Mongolia and Mongolian people. Tourists who visited the countryside before or during Naadam emphasized that the life of rural herders is amazing, and the people's hearts and dairy products are very nice.

All the tourists we spoke to expressed high satisfaction with their visit to Mongolia and said they would eagerly await Naadam in the coming years. They also mentioned that although they have traveled to many countries and seen quite a few cultural programs, they have never seen an unforgettable program like the Mongolian Naadam opening ceremony.

Translated from: https://news.mn/r/2738652/

Police: Heavy traffic on roads leading west and east from Ulaanbaatar

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

The text provided appears to be a headline in Mongolian, but the rest of the article content is missing due to a timeout error. Without the full article text, I cannot provide a complete translation or summary of the content.

Translated from: https://ikon.mn/n/36wd

Dayan Champion N.Batsuuri Becomes Mongolia's Darhan Champion After Winning Nine Rounds

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

Dayan Champion N.Batsuuri became Mongolia's Darhan Champion after winning nine rounds in the wrestling competition of the National Great Festival celebrating the 2233rd anniversary of the First Mongolian State, the 818th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire, the 113th anniversary of National Freedom and Independence Restoration, and the 103rd anniversary of the People's Revolution.

Out of 512 strong wrestlers who competed, Mongolian Dayan Champion Namsraijav Batsuuri from Khovd soum of Uvs aimag won nine rounds, defeating Mongolian Arslan Bayarsaikhan Orkhonbayar from Tsagaannuur soum of Selenge aimag in the final round, earning the title of Darhan Champion, the highest rank in National Wrestling.

In the National Naadam:

In 2013, at the 92nd anniversary of the People's Revolution, he defeated State Arslan P.Burentogs in the fourth round, State Hartsaga T.Usukh-Ireedui in the fifth round, and Aimag Khurts Arslan L.Tserentogtokh in the sixth round, earning the title of "State Hartsaga".

In 2014, at the 93rd anniversary, he defeated State Unen Zorigt Hartsaga U.Bat-Orshikh in the fifth round, State Nachin R.Purevdagva in the sixth, State Garuda D.Ragchaa in the seventh, State Zaan Ch.Sanjadamba in the eighth, and State Usukh Ider Nachin Sh.Jargalsaikhan in the ninth round, winning the title of "State Arslan".

In 2015, at the 94th anniversary, he reached the fifth round by defeating State Garuda I.Dorjsambuu.

In 2016, at the 95th anniversary, he reached the eighth round, defeating Aimag Zaan D.Buyanta, Aimag Arslan B.Delgersaikhan, Aimag Zaan D.Bat-Erdene, and State Hartsaga B.Purevsaikhan.

In 2018, at the 97th anniversary, he won the title of "State Champion" by defeating State Nachin D.Amarsaikhan, Aimag Khurts Arslan Ts.Byamba-Ochir, Aimag Khurts Badrangui Arslan N.Zolboo, State Zaan N.Jargalbayar, and State Champion Ch.Sanjadamba in nine rounds.

In 2019, at the 98th anniversary, he reached the top by winning eight rounds, defeating State Nachin B.Gankhuyag, Aimag Arslan J.Nyam-Erdene, State Champion S.Munkhbat, and State Garuda B.Gonchigdamba.

In 2020, at the 99th anniversary, he won eight rounds by defeating Aimag Khurts Arslan B.Sumanchuluu, Aimag Arslan Ts.Munkhbayar, State Nachin Ts.Odbayar, and State Hartsaga M.Badarcha, but failed the doping test.

In 2019, State Arslan E.Oyunbold was found to have used performance-enhancing drugs, so in 2021, Batsuuri was awarded his rank and received the title of "Dayan Champion".

In 2022, at the 100th and 101st anniversaries, he added to his achievements by winning eight rounds, defeating Aimag Arslan B.Munkh-Erdene, Aimag Khurts Arslan B.Mijidsuren, Aimag Arslan G.Badrakh, and State Nachin B.Serik.

In 2023, at the 102nd anniversary, he won seven rounds, defeating State Nachin G.Ganjad, Aimag Khurts Arslan E.Uuganbayar, and State Arslan Ts.Sodnomdorj.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/12/sport/lsp

Six wrestlers who won five rounds in the National Great Festival wrestling competition awarded the State Nachin title

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

By decree of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the following wrestlers who won five rounds in the wrestling competition of the National Great Festival, marking the 2233rd anniversary of the First State, the 818th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire, the 113th anniversary of the restoration of national freedom and independence, and the 103rd anniversary of the People's Revolution, were awarded the State Nachin title:

• Erdenekhuugiin Munkhjargal from Khotont soum of Arkhangai aimag, Suld sports team, Bukh Bilegt wrestling league wrestler,
• Turbatyn Dovchinsengee from Bayan-Undur soum of Uvurkhangai aimag, Aldar sports team, Ikh Mongoliin Khukhten wrestling league wrestler,
• Galbadrakhyn Darmaajantsan from Durgun soum of Khovd aimag, Aldar sports team, Khovd wrestling league wrestler,
• Davaadorjiin Turbold from Khuder soum of Selenge aimag, Aldar sports team, Tavan Khana wrestling league wrestler,
• Munkhtsengeliin Amarsanaa from Tosontsengel soum of Zavkhan aimag, Zavkhan wrestling league wrestler,
• Lkhagvasurengiin Enkhsaruul from Khovd soum of Uvs aimag, Aldar sports team, Uvs Nuur wrestling league wrestler.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/12/sport/aet

B. Punsaldulam becomes the National Marksman of Mongolia after winning the National Great Festival for three consecutive years

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh presented the National Archery Award at the National Great Festival celebrating the 2233rd anniversary of the First State, the 818th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire, the 113th anniversary of the restoration of national freedom and independence, and the 103rd anniversary of the People's Revolution.

The National Archery competition concluded with close scores. With an impressive performance of hitting 38 out of 40 arrows, Badam-Ochir's Punsaldulam, a native of Nariinteel soum in Uvurkhangai aimag and an athlete of the Uvurkhangai aimag's Great Mongolian Guard Archers United Association club, won first place in the national archery competition. As a result, she has won the National Great Festival for three consecutive years and earned the title of National Marksman of Mongolia.

Second place went to Ch. Gandavaa from Kholonbuir soum of Dornod aimag, who hit 36 out of 40 arrows.

Third place: B. Bayartsetseg from Buregkhangai soum of Bulgan aimag

Fourth place: B. Naadam from Bulgan soum of Bulgan aimag

Fifth place: G. Batzaya from Bayan-Unjuul soum of Tuv aimag

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/12/sport/uof

B. Beisen Selected as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

The meeting of the Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture of the State Great Hural (Parliament) began today with 100% attendance of members, and they discussed and decided on the issue of electing the Chairman of the Standing Committee.

O. Tsogtgerel, the head of the Democratic Party faction in the Parliament, emphasized that they decided to elect Member of Parliament B. Beisen as the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture, taking into account the nominee's experience and time served.

Bulany Beisen graduated from Ulgii soum's 10-year secondary school No. 1 from 1972 to 1982, and from the Medical University with a degree in Human Medicine from 1982 to 1988. He holds a Master's degree in Medical Sciences and the title of Clinical Professor. B. Beisen worked as a kidney surgeon at the United Hospital of Bayan-Ulgii aimag from 1989 to 1991, as a surgeon at the aimag's United Hospital from 1991 to 1995, as the head of the surgery department at the aimag's United Hospital from 1995 to 1998, as a surgeon at the aimag's United Hospital from 1998 to 2004, as the head of the surgery department and Consulting Doctor of Bayan-Ulgii aimag from 2004 to 2012, as the director of Bayan-Ulgii aimag's United Hospital from 2012 to 2016, as a consulting surgeon at Bayan-Ulgii aimag's United Hospital from 2016, and has been elected as a Member of Parliament since 2020.

The composition of the Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture includes 24 members, whose names are listed in the original text.

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/09/politic/wkp

Ch.Undram Elected as Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports

Published: Tue, 09 Jul 2024

The Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports of the State Great Hural (Parliament) held a meeting to discuss the election of its chairperson.

Ch.Undram, a member of the State Great Hural, was elected as the chairperson of this Standing Committee. Ch.Undram is serving in the State Great Hural for the second time.

The composition of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Sports is as follows:

1. Otgonshar Batnairamda
2. Batmonkh Battsetseg
3. Dulam Bum-Ochir
4. Shinebayar Byambasuren
5. Janchiv Galbadrakh
6. Amgalanbaatar Ganbaatar
7. Gongor Damdinyam
8. Tsendsurengin Monkhtuyaa
9. Purevsuren Naranbayar
10. Ukhnaa Otgonbayar
11. Duger Regdel
12. Otgon Saranchuluun
13. Myagmardash Sarnai
14. Chinbat Undram
15. Ganbat Khosbayar
16. Badarch Kherlen

Translated from: https://itoim.mn/a/2024/07/09/politic/dbc

UN Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General QU Dongyu Meets with Leading Women in the Food and Agriculture Sector

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

QU Dongyu, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is on an official visit to Mongolia from July 10-12 at the invitation of Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg. This is Dr. QU Dongyu's first visit to Mongolia since taking office as FAO Director-General, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the food and agriculture sector.

During the visit, Dr. QU Dongyu met with Mongolian state and government leaders and relevant ministers to discuss strengthening relations and cooperation between Mongolia and FAO in creating an inclusive and resilient sustainable food and agricultural system.

Today, as part of the policy to promote gender equality in the food and agriculture sector, he met with leading women in the sector.

During this meeting, they highlighted the role of women in the food and agriculture sector, emphasized their contributions, and discussed the challenges faced by women.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized during the meeting the importance of establishing future cooperation to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from agricultural development, while reaffirming FAO's support in creating a sustainable and inclusive food supply system in Mongolia.

Translated from: https://ikon.mn/n/36ve

QU Dongyu: Local women need support to develop an inclusive agricultural system

Published: Sat, 13 Jul 2024

QU Dongyu, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), visited Mongolia from July 10-12.

During his visit, he met with leading women in the food and agriculture sector as part of a policy to promote gender equality in the sector.

The meeting highlighted the role of women in the sector, emphasized their contributions, and discussed the challenges faced by women.

He emphasized the importance of supporting local women, especially young women, in creating a sustainable and inclusive food supply system in Mongolia, and shared experiences from successfully implemented projects in this sector.

He took office as the ninth Director-General of FAO in 2019 and was re-elected last year.

During his tenure, he has implemented many effective projects and initiatives to support entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture sector, assist their business models, develop digitalization in the sector, and promote the green economy.

This is QU Dongyu's first visit to Mongolia since taking office as FAO Director-General, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the food and agriculture sector.

Translated from: https://gogo.mn/r/21003

N.Ariunzaya: Doping samples from 48 athletes will be delivered to the laboratory in Dresden, Germany tomorrow morning

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

N.Ariunzaya, General Secretary of the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization, explained: "As per the duty assigned by the National Great Festival Law, the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization takes doping samples from a total of 48 athletes, including 32 wrestlers who have advanced and eight male and female national archers. These samples are analyzed in an authorized laboratory, and the results are provided to the national committee organizing the festival celebration.

Doping tests are taken from wrestlers who have won four rounds. Wrestlers who have won four rounds but lost in the fifth round are called in with the help of control officers. There are 30 trained control officers working here. In addition, there are eight doping control officers.

The sample collection area is under police protection.

Athletes are given disposable garments to wear for doping tests, which makes it impossible to swap samples.

The athlete selects the prepared sample container and drinking water themselves. In addition to the control officer, representatives from intelligence, police, and the Anti-Corruption Agency oversee the sample collection process. The people transporting the samples have also undergone training. A physical examination is conducted to check if there are any foreign objects on the body of the athlete about to give a doping sample.

It's not possible to install surveillance cameras in the sample collection room or toilet. However, people entering and exiting the room are monitored.

The athlete verifies the name written on the two sample containers with their ID card, checks for completeness, and seals them. After that, they are stored in a refrigerator. According to international standards of anti-doping regulations, athletes are responsible for not introducing prohibited substances into their bodies.

The stored samples continue to be monitored by law enforcement agencies. The doping samples from the athletes are completed on the night of July 12. In the morning, the samples will be handed over to representatives of special-purpose organizations at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, who will then deliver them to a laboratory in Dresden, Germany.

Although it's a holiday, the laboratory in that city has confirmed they will conduct the analysis upon arrival. The initial results of the analysis will be sent to the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization and the wrestling sub-committee within 48 hours.

In other words, the initial results of doping tests for 32 wrestlers will be available within 48 hours. Currently, we are finishing the first round of sample collection."

Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, in full or in part!

Translated from: https://ikon.mn/n/36vx

PHOTO: The opening of the National Great Festival was shown in the evening version for the first time

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

The opening performance of the National Great Festival was shown again yesterday at 22:00. The organizers emphasized that this was the first time they offered the public the opportunity to see a new evening version of the performance, combining stage and screen. Additionally, new LED lights have been installed on the 16 towers of the Central Stadium.

Tickets for this performance were sold for 79,000-99,000 tugriks.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival are titled "The Chronicle of Mother Earth and Peaceful Existence."

General Director Ts. Batnairamda said, "This time, we are presenting the festival opening as a musical, bringing into modern art forms the story from the origin of the world to the origin of humanity, the way of life of ancient people, the traces left by nomadic heritage, and the valuable cultural heritage that has been discovered from archaeological findings such as rock paintings in every corner of our vast country."

Translated from: https://ikon.mn/n/36v8

Alexander Karmann: The traditions and customs surrounding Naadam seemed very unique, interesting, and amazing

Published: Sat, 13 Jul 2024

This year's festival is reported to have been attended by over 2,000 tourists, the highest number ever. We met with Alexander Karmann and Christine Karmann, a couple from Germany, to hear their impressions of Naadam.

Alexander Karmann said, "I am an academic. I'm working independently in Mongolia. My wife is here as a tourist (laughs). I first came to Mongolia about 20 years ago. I've been teaching economics here and have gained many students."

He has seen many events this year, including the opening ceremony, the first round of wrestling, and the horse races for older horses. About this, he said, "Everything seemed unique. But a race is a race, and sport is sport. However, the traditions and customs surrounding them seemed very vibrant, interesting, unique, and amazing.

This is my second or third time seeing Naadam. For my wife, who is visiting Mongolia for the first time, it must have seemed even more different and interesting. To be honest, I didn't expect the organization of Naadam to be this good. It's worth mentioning that it was very well organized this year."

His wife, Christine Karmann, said, "The Mongolian national festival Naadam seems to be a unique blend of many colors. The Mongolian Naadam gave me the feeling of witnessing a national Olympics."

When asked about their visit to the National Archery Field during the festival, they replied, "Firstly, we don't know much about this national sport of Mongolia, and secondly, our Mongolian friends advised us that watching archery would be interesting, so we came here."

When asked about what Alexander Karmann thinks is lacking and important for developing tourism in Mongolia, he said, "Transportation is crucial when coming to Mongolia. The city is congested, and traveling to the countryside involves long distances, so first and foremost, solving the road and transportation issues would be good.

If we can effectively communicate to foreigners about Mongolia's beautiful nature, its ecologically clean food products, and its nomadic way of life, it will attract more tourists."

He also added, "In fact, when I first came to Mongolia about 20 years ago, the traffic in the city wasn't as congested as it is today. There's a lack of regulation and organization in improving the city's traffic management. Mongolia has great potential and future to develop like Western countries. It's important not to miss this opportunity and implement it in a short time."

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347721

UMNUGOVI: Teachers and students who achieved success in entrance exams were rewarded

Published: Fri, 12 Jul 2024

508 students took the entrance exam in Umnugovi aimag.

Three students scored 800 points in social studies and mathematics, while 23 students scored over 700 points in other subjects.

The aimag leadership met with and appreciated the knowledge, skills and efforts of teachers and students who successfully participated in the entrance exam.

During this time, they were rewarded from the "Local Blessing" program with certificates and monetary prizes of 1-2.5 million tugriks.

This year, Umnugovi aimag improved by 3.9 percent from last year's unified entrance exam score, advancing two places nationwide.

Translated from: https://www.montsame.mn/mn/read/347662