Mongolia News Summary for July 28, 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.
Today's Stories
Economy
Diplomacy
- N. Uchral, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, meets with Chinese Ambassador Shen Mingjuan
- "Khaan Quest-2024" International Peacekeeping Exercise Begins
- WEEKLY SUMMARY: Olympics begin in Paris, Foreign Minister visits the USA
- "King's Quest-2024" Begins
Infrastructure
- Roads damaged by floods and heavy rains in Khövsgöl and Khovd provinces are being repaired
- All passenger buses departing from Ulaanbaatar to rural areas after 13:00 tomorrow will leave from Dragon
Society
- Emergency Service Workers Rescue Three Citizens
- WARNING: 14 Children Have Died from Water Accidents Since the Beginning of the Year
- Focusing on Increasing the Number of Female Peacekeepers
Environment
- No Rain in Ulaanbaatar
- Water pollution levels in Tuul, Khiagt, Urt Bulag, and Khangal rivers are high to very high
- Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural Kh. Bulgantuyaa to Chair the Nature Conservation Group in Parliament
Innovation
- Textbook Development and Review Team Approved with 254 Members
- Registration for Mongolian Language Retake Exam Begins on July 29
Health
Sports
- Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympics Held Magnificently
- B.Ser-Od sets Guinness record as athlete with most Olympic appearances in athletics
Economy
U.S. Senator meets with representatives of business research organization
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg met with U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts during her visit to the United States.
During the meeting, she introduced the results of the 2024 regular elections of the Mongolian Parliament and the activities and goals of the newly established government. In this context, she emphasized the importance of deepening the strategic third neighbor partnership between Mongolia and the United States, particularly expanding cooperation in sectors such as economy, agriculture, and telecommunications security.
Senator P. Ricketts recalled his visit to Mongolia many years ago and expressed his support for any issues aimed at further strengthening relations and cooperation with Mongolia, an important U.S. partner in Asia.
Additionally, Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg met with representatives of U.S. investors, businesses, and research organizations to discuss some ongoing projects and activities within the framework of trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The parties emphasized the importance of increasing American investment in sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, education, and environment, diversifying Mongolian export products, and introducing goods to the American market. They also exchanged views on cooperation between research organizations, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomacy
N. Uchral, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, meets with Chinese Ambassador Shen Mingjuan
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
N. Uchral, Minister of Mongolia and Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, received Shen Mingjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, on July 26, 2024.
At the beginning of the meeting, N. Uchral, Minister of Mongolia and Head of the Cabinet Secretariat, emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China, the 30th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation, and the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He expressed confidence that within the framework of these significant anniversaries, the friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and China will further expand, with active high-level visits and meetings between the two sides, and economic cooperation projects and programs will progress substantially, leading to increased friendship and understanding between the peoples.
He also stated that the government is focusing on accelerating the implementation of regional development policies, supporting cooperation in border areas between the two countries through policy measures, and ultimately deepening mutual understanding and trust between the peoples and improving their livelihoods. Additionally, he expressed interest in working openly with Chinese government agencies to study experiences, particularly in how modern, smart technologies are being implemented in China's state administration and organization, and their results.
Shen Mingjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, exchanged views openly on issues of cooperation between the two sides and expressed readiness to work closely to further enrich the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and China with new content and expand cooperation.
"Khaan Quest-2024" International Peacekeeping Exercise Begins
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The Armed Forces of Mongolia, in cooperation with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, have been organizing the "Khaan Quest" peacekeeping exercise since 2003, initially as a bilateral exercise. From 2006, it was expanded into an international training and exercise, and is now being held for the 20th time.
The purpose of the "Khaan Quest-2024" international peacekeeping exercise is to increase defense cooperation with the U.S. Army Pacific Command and participating countries, strengthen military trust, enhance the peacekeeping capabilities of the Mongolian Armed Forces, provide necessary training support to improve the capabilities required for UN peacekeeping operations, and improve multinational cooperation in peacekeeping operations. A group of instructor trainers from 7 countries including the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and a total of 11 platoons from 10 countries including the USA, China, South Korea, Turkey, India, Japan (2 platoons), Qatar, and Mongolia are participating in the field exercises. Additionally, observers from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Arab Republic of Egypt, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and other 23 countries, with over 460 participants, are involved.
The opening ceremony of this international exercise was attended by S. Byambatsogt, Member of the State Great Khural and Government of Mongolia, Minister of Defense, Major General S. Ganbamba, Chief of the General Staff, leadership from the Office of the President of Mongolia, Ministry of Defense, General Staff, state military and law enforcement organizations, commanders of military branches, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mongolia from foreign countries, military attachés, and military personnel from countries participating in the "Khaan Quest" international peacekeeping exercise.
WEEKLY SUMMARY: Olympics begin in Paris, Foreign Minister visits the USA
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
We are summarizing the notable events that took place in the country during the past week.
The Olympics, an event eagerly anticipated by people around the world every four years, has officially begun.
This year's opening ceremony for the games being held in Paris, the capital of France, took place for the first time outside the stadium, along the Seine River. This marks the return of the Summer Olympics to Paris after 100 years. Interestingly, the city has hosted the Olympics twice before in its history, specifically in 1900 and 1924.
According to the Olympic Organizing Committee, approximately 10,500 athletes are expected to participate in the games. It was a special sight to see the teams and athletes from various countries standing on boats, moving along the Seine River.
Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg held an official meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on July 23, 2024, as part of her visit to the United States of America.
U.S. Secretary of State A. Blinken expressed that the USA is proud to be Mongolia's "third neighbor" and was pleased to meet again in Washington with Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg of Mongolia, "an oasis of democracy," following Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene's official visit in August 2023.
The test results of 28 wrestlers who underwent doping tests (with normal findings) were received on July 16, results for 3 wrestlers on July 18, and the result for 1 wrestler on July 22 via email by the Mongolian National Anti-Doping Organization and the National Wrestling Branch Committee.
According to the received test results, prohibited substances of the doping type were detected in aimag champions G.Khishigbat, M.Buyandelger, and military champion G.Jambaldorj.
A case has emerged where a citizen who was being investigated and detained by the police at Detention Center No. 461 has died.
Specifically, a 21-year-old citizen O, while being detained at Center No. 461, had his condition deteriorate and was brought to the Intensive Care Unit of the Third State Central Hospital on the 22nd of this month. However, he passed away on the 23rd of this month.
His family has filed a complaint, believing that he lost his life as a result of being beaten by police officers. The General Police Department has announced that the complaint is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency.
"King's Quest-2024" Begins
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Mongolian Armed Forces have been organizing the "King's Quest" peacekeeping exercise in cooperation with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command since 2003, initially as a bilateral exercise. Since 2006, it has been expanded into an international training and practice exercise.
The objectives of the "King's Quest-2024" international peacekeeping exercise are:
- To increase defense cooperation and strengthen military trust with the U.S. Army Pacific Command and participating countries
- To enhance the peacekeeping capabilities of the Mongolian Armed Forces
- To provide necessary training support to improve the capabilities required for UN peacekeeping operations and to enhance multinational cooperation in peacekeeping operations
This year's exercise includes:
- A group of instructor trainers from 7 countries including the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam
- A total of 11 platoons from 10 countries including the USA, China, South Korea, Turkey, India, Japan (2 platoons), Qatar, and Mongolia participating in the field exercise
- Observers from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, and Pakistan, with a total of over 460 participants from 20 countries
The opening ceremony of the international exercise was attended by Member of Parliament and Government, Minister of Defense S. Byambatsogts, Chief of General Staff Major General S. Ganbyamba, leaders from the Office of the President of Mongolia, Ministry of Defense, General Staff, state military and law enforcement agencies, commanders of military branches, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mongolia from foreign countries, military attachés, and military contingents from countries participating in the "King's Quest" international peacekeeping exercise.
Infrastructure
Roads damaged by floods and heavy rains in Khövsgöl and Khovd provinces are being repaired
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The international quality road A14 in the direction of Mankhan-Bulgan-State border has been closed between 120-133km due to mountain rock landslides caused by heavy rainfall.
The engineering and technical staff of "Khovd-AZZA" JSC are working to promptly open the road.
Additionally, officials reported that "Khövsgöl Zam" LLC is repairing sections of the A1101 Mörön-Khatgal-State border road that have been washed out and damaged due to flooding.
The Meteorological Agency has specifically warned citizens and travelers that as rain continues to fall in the eastern part of the country today, water levels in the Selbe, Tuul, Terelj, Kherlen, Onon, Ulz, and Khalkh rivers will continue to rise.
All passenger buses departing from Ulaanbaatar to rural areas after 13:00 tomorrow will leave from Dragon
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Tomorrow, July 28, from 13:00 to 06:00 on July 29, the road in front of the "Nomin" bus station along the Tolgoit direction will be completely closed for road repair work.
Therefore, starting from 13:00, all passenger buses departing from Ulaanbaatar to rural destinations will be arranged to depart from the old Dragon bus station.
The National Auto Transport Center has advised citizens and passengers to plan their time accordingly, considering traffic congestion and load.
Society
Emergency Service Workers Rescue Three Citizens
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Today, the Ulaanbaatar Emergency Department received 5 calls reporting homes flooded and cars stranded in river branches. Emergency workers quickly responded and saved the lives of 3 citizens. As there is a flood risk in rivers and water levels throughout the country, citizens are urged to be cautious when resting and traveling, not to settle along riverbanks, to supervise young children, to avoid settling in flood-prone areas, to use only safe bridges and crossings, and to take preventive measures.
Since June 10, emergency service workers have been conducting daily mobile patrols along the Tuul River in Ulaanbaatar, from Khar Usan Tokhoi to Marshal's Bridge, from Marshal's Bridge to Yarmag Bridge, and from Yarmag Bridge to Sonsgolongiin Bridge, using vehicles and boats. Since the start of these duties, over 1,035 service members have provided warnings and cautions to more than 70,000 citizens along the riverbanks in the capital.
WARNING: 14 Children Have Died from Water Accidents Since the Beginning of the Year
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
Since the beginning of 2024, 88 cases of water accidents have been recorded, resulting in the loss of 77 lives (including 14 children).
As part of the efforts to prevent water accidents, emergency service personnel have been performing mobile and boat patrol duties along major rivers, streams, and lake shores since June 10th.
In Ulaanbaatar, daily mobile patrols are being conducted by car and boat along the Tuul River, from Khar Usan Tokhoi to Marshal Bridge, from Marshal Bridge to Yarmag Bridge, and from Yarmag Bridge to Sonsgolongiin Bridge. Since the start of these duties, a total of 1,035 personnel in the capital have provided warnings and cautions to over 70,000 citizens along the riverbanks.
In rural areas, 131 personnel with 24 vehicles and 20 boats are conducting daily mobile patrols along 16 lakes, 21 rivers, and the banks of the Selenge and Delgen rivers in 13 provinces, including Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, Bayan-Ulgii, Bulgan, Govi-Altai, Darkhan-Uul, Zavkhan, and Dornod. They are providing warnings and information to citizens.
The personnel will continue to perform patrol duties until September 15th.
Focusing on Increasing the Number of Female Peacekeepers
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Mongolia first sent a female officer to participate in the peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara in 2005, and now our country ranks 24th among the troop-contributing countries to the UN in terms of the number of female peacekeepers.
To increase this participation, Member of the Parliament of Mongolia, Member of the Government, and Minister of Defense S. Byambatsogt received Her Excellency Sandra Shufani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Mongolia, and Naval Captain Andrew Clark, Defense Attaché of Canada.
They exchanged views on increasing the number of personnel studying in Canada and other cooperation issues to increase the number and capacity of women in the Mongolian Armed Forces, especially those serving in peacekeeping operations.
It's worth noting that the official languages of the UN are English and French, and currently, there are 12 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with about 1,000 Mongolian peacekeepers serving in 8 of these operations.
Environment
No Rain in Ulaanbaatar
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
As rain continues to fall in the eastern part of the country today, we strongly warn citizens and travelers that water levels in the Selbe, Tuul, Terelj, Kherlen, Onon, Ulz, and Khalkh rivers will continue to increase.
Cloudy in the eastern part of the country, partly cloudy in other areas. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the northern parts of western provinces and some areas of central and eastern provinces. Winds will be west-southwesterly in the western part of the country and west-northwesterly in other areas, with speeds of 6-11 meters per second, temporarily intensifying before the rain. Temperatures will range from +17...+22 degrees in the Darkhad depression, mountainous areas of Khentii, and the valleys of Onon, Ulz, and Khalkh rivers; +30...+35 degrees in the Great Lakes depression and southern parts of the Gobi region; and +22...+27 degrees in other areas.
Water pollution levels in Tuul, Khiagt, Urt Bulag, and Khangal rivers are high to very high
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The Weather and Environmental Analysis Agency has collected samples from about 140 points in June of this year to determine surface water quality indicators.
According to these quality indicators, rivers that are at "Polluted and highly polluted levels" include the Tuul River from the Songino Bridge area in Ulaanbaatar city to Altanbulag, the Khiagt River in Selenge province, the Urt Bulag in Orkhon province, and the Khangal River.
Red: polluted and highly polluted. Blue: not polluted
Warning
Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in any form, in whole or in part!
Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural Kh. Bulgantuyaa to Chair the Nature Conservation Group in Parliament
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Nature Conservation Group in the State Great Khural (Parliament) has been operating for its third year. The group has been implementing the "Healthy Forest" project and national management of forest pests in collaboration with the International Nature Conservation Fund's conservation efforts. It is also working with the "Global Environmental Policy Coherence" project team to analyze draft laws in the environmental sector, protect specially protected areas and their surroundings, increase the efficiency of governance in areas of biological diversity importance, and collaborate with the nature conservation funding program.
The Nature Conservation Group in Parliament was previously chaired by former Member of Parliament Ts. Tserenpuntsag, with 19 members from the MPP and DP parliamentary groups. Some structural changes will be made in connection with the formation of the new parliament. As representatives from five parties have been elected to this Parliament, it is considered appropriate to expand the group's activities. Therefore, the Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural announced that they are prioritizing ensuring representation from multiple parties and working together in legislation for nature conservation, regardless of political affiliation.
Innovation
Textbook Development and Review Team Approved with 254 Members
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The team for revising preschool and primary education curricula and developing textbooks has been approved with 254 members.
The "Concept of Preschool and General Education Curriculum" was approved by the Government Resolution on April 24, 2024, which serves as a guideline.
This team consists of sub-teams including management and organization team, curriculum development team, textbook development team, and curriculum and textbook review team.
These teams are based on the principle of ensuring public and private sector participation in curriculum and textbook development and implementation. They comprise representatives from professional organizations under the Ministry of Education (30%), universities and colleges (19%), general education schools (25%), preschool education institutions (8%), private sector and civil society organizations (13%), international organizations (2%), and individual researchers (3%).
The team composition includes 17% with doctoral degrees, 53% with master's degrees, and 30% with bachelor's degrees.
In developing the primary education curriculum and textbook content, one team for each subject will comprehensively develop materials for grades 1-5, which will improve the continuity and coherence between grades.
In the future, a team will be established to revise the curriculum and textbooks for basic and complete secondary education, and work will be intensified to update and implement the preschool and general education curriculum in a coherent and phased manner.
When developing primary education curriculum and textbook content, one team for each subject will comprehensively develop materials for grades 1-5.
Registration for Mongolian Language Retake Exam Begins on July 29
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Registration for the Mongolian language retake exam will begin nationwide at 9:00 AM Ulaanbaatar time on July 29 of this year.
Registration will be conducted through the website www.eec.mn and will end at 6:00 PM on August 10.
The Education Assessment Center has announced that there will be no registration fee for the Mongolian language exam.
Health
Urgent Issues in the Health Sector Discussed
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Deputy Mayor of the Capital City for Social Affairs, Green Development and Air and Environmental Pollution, L. Khosbayar, met with the heads of 28 health organizations under the capital city and exchanged views on pressing issues.
Specifically, they discussed the most necessary work planned to be implemented and included in the 2025 budget and this year's budget amendment, as well as preparation for next year.
The leaders who participated in the meeting emphasized that the buildings of hospitals are old and deteriorating, and even after routine maintenance, it is difficult to provide services, so major repairs need to be done, new buildings need to be constructed, and related land issues need to be resolved. They also put forward suggestions to pay attention to updating equipment, renewing the ambulance fleet, and addressing the shortage of human resources.
L. Khosbayar, Deputy Mayor of the Capital City, answered questions from the heads of health organizations and announced that he will work at maternity hospitals and hospitals in Khan-Uul and Bayanzurkh districts next week to prioritize urgent and feasible work to be included in the budget, as reported by the Capital City Governor's Office.
Sports
Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympics Held Magnificently
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The flame of the Olympic Games, a symbol of human unity, has been lit in the sky of Paris. Thus, the Olympic Games are starting for the third time in the homeland of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement and great enlightener, after a whole century.
The opening ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games was held for the first time in history not inside a stadium but in the city center, in the form of a parade of athletes over the river. The teams of athletes from 206 countries participated in the ceremony parade by sailing boats on the Seine River flowing through the center of Paris, and more than 300,000 people watched this magnificent ceremony. As the athletes traveled the 6 km route from the Austerlitz Bridge to the Trocadero Square, they passed by historical landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and several facilities built specifically for the Olympics. According to the design of French theater director and actor Thomas Jolly, more than 10,000 athletes participated in this parade, while 3,000 dancers, musicians, and artists took part in the artistic performance show.
The Presidents and Prime Ministers of 120 countries participating in the Olympic Games were invited to Paris to watch the opening ceremony, including the President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, accompanied by his wife L. Bolortsetseg.
The Greek athletes marched first as the birthplace of the Olympics, followed by the refugee team, and then more than 200 countries' athletes sailed on 94 boats along the Seine River in alphabetical order of the host country's alphabet. The French team of athletes marched last as per tradition, preceded by the US athletes, which is related to Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympic Games.
During the parade, a mysterious person wearing a mask and carrying a torch was seen running on the roofs of Parisian buildings, looking for the shortest route to the Eiffel Tower, which was one of the riddles of the opening ceremony. Many comments on social networks compared him to the hero of the Assassin's Creed video game.
After French President E. Macron announced the opening of the Olympic Games, the mysterious masked person handed the Olympic torch to football world and European champion Zinedine Zidane, who then passed it to Spanish tennis player and Olympic double champion Rafael Nadal. The torch was then passed to US athlete Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam champion. French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo, basketball player Tony Parker, and three-time Olympic champion handball player Nikola Karabatic participated in passing the Olympic torch.
Finally, the Olympic torch was brought to a cauldron near the Louvre Museum, and Olympic champions, track and field athlete Marie-José Pérec and judoka Teddy Riner lit the flame under the air balloon placed on top of the cauldron, after which a giant balloon soared into the night sky of Paris. The balloon will remain in the air throughout the Olympic Games, and this emotional design was a tribute to the Montgolfier brothers who invented the hot air balloon. The relay of the Olympic torch from Greece to the French capital lasted 3 months, and during the relay, they used the Stampfli Express, the world's longest 24-seat rowing boat.
After the Olympic flame was lit, American singer and actress Lady Gaga appeared on a special stage on the banks of the Seine River and sang "Mon Truc En Plume" in French and also played the piano, which was a surprising gift that amazed the audience.
At the end of the artistic performance show, Canadian singer Celine Dion, famous for her song from the movie "Titanic," appeared on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower wearing a white dress and sang Edith Piaf's "Hymne A L'Amour" in English and French, which filled the audience and guests with pride. Also, when French singer Juliette Armanet sang John Lennon's "Imagine," a burning piano was an unexpected and striking solution that amazed the audience.
The opening ceremony lasted a full 4 hours. When this amazing performance began, the sky was slightly cloudy, but after a while, it started raining and continued until the end of the opening ceremony. However, as French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said, "the downpour will not affect the Olympic Games opening ceremony," everything went wonderfully.
The most emotional part of the opening was the laser show around the Eiffel Tower.
The theme of women played a significant role in the design of the opening ceremony. For example, gilded busts of 10 famous women were placed on huge stages along the banks of the Seine, including the bust of Olympe de Gouges. She wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Woman during the French Revolution in 1791 and fought against slavery.
In this Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the number of male and female participants is equal, which is a historic occurrence.
B.Ser-Od sets Guinness record as athlete with most Olympic appearances in athletics
Published: Sat, 27 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
At the boat parade of the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games "Paris 2024", State Honored Athlete, marathoner B.Ser-Od and International Master of Sports in boxing O.Yesugen waved the State Flag of Mongolia on the Seine River.
For Mongolia's flag bearer B.Ser-Od, this is his sixth Olympic participation, thus setting a Guinness record as the athlete with the most appearances in athletics not only for Mongolia but also in the Olympic Games. O.Yesugen is the first flag bearer from boxing and becomes the second female flag bearer for Mongolia.
This is the 15th time Mongolian athletes are participating in the Olympic Games, which has become the pinnacle of human celebration. At the opening ceremony of the first Olympic Games "Tokyo 1964", marathoner Ch.Naidan waved the flag of Mongolia. Looking back at the historical timeline, at the XIX Summer Olympic Games "Mexico 1968", the world highlighted Mongolia's flag bearer Kh.Bayanmunkh, who was dressed in traditional wrestling attire.
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