MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA TO THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ULAANBAATAR DIALOGUE ON NORTHEAST ASIAN SECURITY
The Sixth International Conference of Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security, co-organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commenced today in Ulaanbaatar.
Chief of Staff to the President Z.Enkhbold delivered a message from President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga addressed to the participants of the conference.
The message of the President:
“Distinguished participants and guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Contributing to peace and security in the Northeast Asia has always been high on the agenda of Mongolia’s foreign policy. Mongolia is committed to a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and to the peaceful settlement of the outstanding issues through talks and dialogue. We believe that engagement of all the parties concerned is a key to settling any dispute.
Proceeding from this premise, Mongolia initiated the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security six years ago. Since then the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue has evolved into an important platform that discusses not only regional security prospects, but a host of other issues in the areas of energy, infrastructure, environment, and human security. It is worth noting that this year, during the sixth Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, in addition to reviewing the regional political and security outlook as well as its opportunities and challenges, will focus on promoting energy cooperation in Northeast Asia.
Today’s conference is being held at a time when Northeast Asia is experiencing major breakthroughs that augurs well for the further enhancement of economic cooperation.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) new report “A New World–The Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation,” greater deployment of clean energy sources enables countries to strengthen their energy security. There is an enormous potential for promoting mutually-beneficial energy cooperation in the Northeast Asia. Our region accounts for approximately a quarter of the global GDP and population. Four of the world’s top energy users are also in our region. We account for one third of the world’s CO2 emissions. The energy consumption in the Northeast Asia will continue to increase corresponding to its economic expansion. Technological advancements and digital transformation will lead to a new energy network in our region.
The Government of Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank are completing a study to assess the viability of Mongolia to interconnect with its neighbors and export clean power to the countries in the region. According to this comprehensive study, Mongolia can develop and supply up to 200GW of wind and 1.2TW of solar energy to its neighbors. With systematic enhancement of national power grids and development of HVDC cross border interconnections, the study estimates that up to 100GWs of clean and low-cost power can be exported from Mongolia by 2036.
Similar to the Mongolian study, multiple other studies have been conducted over the past years by the national power utility companies in the region. Outcome of each one of those studies indicate that political support and consensus by the regional governments are essential to move forward with the creation of this new and dynamic regional electricity market. Such studies also highlight the urgent need for regulatory and standards harmonization, and common investment pipeline development.
Last year in Vladivostok, I proposed to establish a regional institution to support the electricity grid interconnections and market creation. To enable this process, Mongolia has developed a draft of the joint declaration to be agreed by the Northeast Asian countries and to be signed in September, 2019. The purpose of this joint declaration is to lead the process of establishing the regional institution in the coming years. I am grateful for the support provided by the UN-ESCAP and the ADB to achieve this goal.
International community has put massive effort and commitment into transitioning to sustainable energy systems within the framework of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. As a possessor of vast clean energy resources, Mongolia is fully committed to contributing to the international efforts through taking advantage of the latest developments in technology and trends in global energy transformation.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the governments and international organizations that support Mongolia’s initiatives.
I wish you a productive discussions during the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue.
