PRESIDENT DELIVERS SPEECH AT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE MONGOLIAN NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY
The 88th graduation ceremony of the Mongolian National Defense University, named after Commander D.Sukhbaatar and recipient of the Order of Sukhbaatar and the Red Banner Order of Combat Merit, took place today on the Sukhbaatar Square.
Present at the ceremony were, President of Mongolia and Commander-in-Chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces Khaltmaagiin Battulga, Minister of Defense N.Enkhbold, Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General D.Davaa, authorities of the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces and the Mongolian National Defense University, as well as the graduates and the personnel.
President Battulga gave a speech after the graduates received their professional diplomas and lapel pins. The President said:
“Dear graduates, Generals, officers, and NCOs,
Scholars and teachers of the National Defense University,
Greetings of the day!
I am absolutely delighted that a new force is joining the Armed Forces of Mongolia, a country of military history and valiant tradition worth thousands of years. I extend cordial congratulations to the graduates.
It is a matter of honor for you to become an officer in the Mongolian Armed Forces, and a graduate of the 88th batch of the Mongolian National Defense University, named after Commander D.Sukhbaatar and recipient of the Order of Sukhbaatar and the Red Banner Order of Combat Merit.
At this moment, you are succeeding the torch of liberty and independence, passed on to us by the soldiers of Mongolia, who restored our independence in 1911, banished foreign occupants and established the people’s government in 1921, and resounded their valor and merit during the 1939 Battles of Khalkha River, the Manchurian Operation of 1945 and post-World War II infrastructure development works in 1950-1960.
In accordance with the ideology of the Constitution of Mongolia, adopted in 1992, the Mongolian Armed Forces have been developing in a new context, realizing a reform of legal environment through phases. The State Great Khural adopted the fundamental document on Defense Policy in 2015 and a revised package of Laws on Defense in 2016. This gave impetus to the reforming of the defense system, and perfecting the new legal environment of the Armed Forces. You should always remember that you are obliged to follow the law and the oath you take during your service.
You are joining the Mongolian Armed Forces at the time when Mongolian soldiers not only defend their country, but also actively participate in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations flag, and are appreciated for their professionalism and leadership by the international community.
You are joining the Armed Forces to lead a military unit as the works of engaging soldiers in infrastructure development of the country are commencing. This is delightful, and I am proud of you.
As the President and the Commander-in-Chief, let me express my firm confidence that all the graduates, who are joining the ranks of officer and NCO today, will uphold the spirits and the reputation of a Mongolian soldier, adhere to their oaths taken before the people of Mongolia, and fully dedicate their knowledge and intellect for global peace and the independence of their country.
I wish the best of success in your future endeavors.
May the Eternal Sky bless us.”
