MEETING WITH TARO KONO, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN
At the invitation of D.Tsogtbaatar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Taro Kono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is paying an official visit to Mongolia.
Within the frames of the visit, Mr. Taro Kono paid a courtesy call on President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga today.
At the beginning of the meeting, President Battulga remarked that Japan had remained close to and assisted Mongolia during the socialist era and after the transition to market economy, saying that present-day bilateral cooperation should be based on the principles of a mutually beneficial partnership rather than relying on aids and soft loans.
In particular, President Battulga emphasized the necessity to pay close attention to the situation where the types of Mongolian export goods haven’t seen an increase, apart from cashmere products, despite of the existing opportunities of exporting goods of about 6,000 types to Japan on preferential tariff treatment within the framework of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Mongolia and Japan. Furthermore, President Battulga brought to attention the matter of establishing a permanent mechanism that is designed to reinforce bilateral relations in economy and other sectors, while suggesting that it could fall under the responsibilities of foreign ministers.
During the meeting, both sides addressed railway infrastructure development in Mongolia and exchanged views on this matter as it meets Japan’s interest in energy and Mongolia’s interest in exporting energy.
Foreign Minister Taro Kono acknowledged the proposals of President Battulga, saying that he will work towards increasing the frequency of mutual visits and meetings in scope of the proposal on establishing the permanent cooperation mechanism.
At the end of the meeting, President Battulga conveyed his good wishes to Emperor Naruhito and notified that he had received the latter’s invitation to attend his Enthronement Ceremony with pleasure.