Australia and Mongolia signed Development Assistance Memorandum of Understanding
25 November 2016
Ulaanbaatar. On Friday, 25 November, Mr Choijilsuren Battogtokh, MP and the Finance Minister and Mr John Langtry, Australia’s Ambassador to Mongolia signed a Memorandum of Understanding that defines the terms of cooperation between the two Governments in support of Mongolia's development needs.
The first development MOU was signed in 1993, and since then Mongolia has been receiving Australia’s Official Development Assistance to strengthen its democratic institutions and build capacity. “Mongolia has benefitted greatly from Australian aid programs in the past two decades. By renewing the Memorandum of Understanding, Mongolia-Australia’s relations are deepened. Following the opening of the Australian Embassy in Mongolia it is an important milestone for our two countries’ strategic partnership,” said Finance Minister Choijilsuren B.
Along with the MoU, three project arrangements were signed. These will be guiding documents to implement Australia’s scholarship, volunteer and extractives programs in Mongolia. “Australia is committed to support Mongolia. 2017 is the 45th anniversary of Australia-Mongolia diplomatic relations and it is therefore appropriate that we renew our partnership and shared objectives to achieve a more prosperous Mongolia. An important sector targeted is human resource development and the continuation of the Australia Awards scholarship scheme” said Ambassador Langtry.
Between 1993 and 2016, under Australia’s ODA, a number of programs were implemented. Those include a flagship Australia Awards Program, under which 440 Mongolians have studied in Australia, and extractives program, which Australia has been assisting Mongolia improve management of the mining sector. Under the Australian Volunteers for Development program over 300 Australian volunteers have contributed time and expertise to help Mongolian organisations, and Australia has assisted Mongolia to develop its agriculture, and protect its natural environment.