Mongolia advanced from the forefront
Fresh Take:
Mongolia's high-ranking officials recently sat down with their Russian counterparts in a historical meeting that delved into the past, present, and potential future of the two nations' cooperation. On a chilly Moscow day, Mongolia's President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and his delegation, led by Security Council Secretary Altangerel Bymbadzargal, paid a visit to meet with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.
This meeting marked a significant milestone as the two nations commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory over the Great Patriotic War. The Mongolian delegation's trip was no ordinary one – they were joining an impressive gathering of 29 foreign heads of states partaking in events dedicated to this momentous occasion.
Sergei Shoigu graciously welcomed the Mongolian officials and expressed Russia's heartfelt appreciation for Mongolia's invaluable contribution to the victory over fascism. Today, cooperation in defense and security between the two countries is at an all-time high. The Mongolian presence at Moscow's Victory Parade is testament to their continued camaraderie.
As their meeting unfolded, Sergei Shoigu reminisced about Russian President Vladimir Putin's September 2021 visit to Mongolia, which marked the 85th anniversary of the joint victory of Soviet and Mongolian armed forces over Japanese militarists on the Khalkhin Gol River. This shared history still resonates profoundly for both nations.
Mongolia, in fact, holds a special place as the first country to offer assistance to the Soviet Union in its fight against Nazi Germany. Mongolian volunteers valiantly joined the Red Army's fight, while the nation also provided vital supplies such as horses, livestock, and provisions.
Grateful for this support, Russian historians have compiled a compelling book on the subject, a copy of which Sergei Shoigu presented to his Mongolian counterpart during their meeting. The book seeks to not only preserve the past but also ensure future generations will continue to cherish the traditions of military brotherhood that have defined this partnership since WWII.
The two delegations also used this meeting as an opportunity to discuss current and future collaboration in defense and security matters. This cooperation takes many forms, including Russia supplying Mongolia with weapons and military equipment, and training 300 Mongolian military personnel in Russian military educational institutions.
Their joint military exercises, such as the annual "Selenga" exercises, showcase their strong commitment to each other's defense. The latest event in August 2024 saw Russian and Mongolian servicemen join forces to liberate a captured settlement, employing advanced technology like unmanned aerial vehicles and FPV drones.
However, the growing relationship between the two nations has not been without controversy. Criticism from the West has arisen, particularly over Mongolia's refusal to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. The ICC issued warrants for several Russian officials, which Russia deems invalid.
Mongolia's stance on the Ukraine conflict remains neutral, given the principle of neutrality being a cornerstone of its foreign and defense policies. In a 2024 poll, 69% of Mongolian citizens expressed support for Russia as their country's best partner, with 68.9% supporting Mongolia's neutral stance on the conflict.
Overall, Russia and Mongolia's military ties are deeply rooted in their joint past, and continue to thrive through ongoing collaboration and joint exercises, forming a strategic partnership that is vitally important to both nations.
- At the meeting, Sergei Shoigu, acknowledging Mongolia's past support, presented a book to his counterpart, which highlights Mongolia's historic assistance to the Soviet Union in its fight against Nazi Germany.
- During the meeting, discussions focused on collaboration in defense and security matters, including Russia's continuous supply of weapons and military equipment to Mongolia, and the training of Mongolian military personnel in Russian military educational institutions.
- In a remarkable show of camaraderie, the Mongolian delegation's participation in Moscow's Victory Parade symbolizes the sustained partnership between the two nations, which dates back to their victory over the Great Patriotic War.
- Despite criticism from the West, Mongolia's stance on international issues, such as its neutral position on the Ukraine conflict, remains steadfast, reflecting the nation's long-standing principle of preserving neutrality in its foreign and defense policies.