Ulan Bator hosted the 23rd meeting of the Russia-Mongolia Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology. The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko, who the Russian co-chair of the commission.
According to Viktoria Abramchenko, the development of comprehensive ties with Mongolia has always been a priority in Russia’s foreign policy. The deputy prime minister congratulated everyone present on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries and thanked Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan, co-chair of the commission, for organising the Russian delegation’s visit to Ulan Bator.
Ms Abramchenko noted that the commission meeting was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere. A wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda was discussed, including the development of cooperation in transport, energy, industry, agriculture, and culture. Cooperation in diversifying trade connections was also discussed in detail.
The sides are facing systematic tasks in starting infrastructure projects, which are important for bilateral cooperation, with a special focus on cooperation in energy. Ms Abramchenko noted that Russia hopes to work together on projects for the construction of a pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia, as well as to upgrade existing energy facilities and build new ones, and projects that include transporting oil products.
“Construction of the Russia-Mongolia-China gas pipeline is one example. Today we are focused on developing the technical and economic feasibility of this project. Our colleagues from the Energy Ministry, Gazprom and its affiliate that was created specially to work on this project will complete it by the end of the year, perhaps in early December,” Abramchenko noted.
Another project is related to upgrading Heat and Power Plant 3 in Ulan Bator. “The development of the technical and economic feasibility is nearing completion. Our colleagues say the second quarter of 2022. By this time, we will understand the project costs, and we will coordinate this cost with the customer from the Mongolian side. We expect that the Mongolian side will understand how much export credit will be required from the Russian side to engage in this project by then. We can talk about signing the contract as early as the third quarter of 2022,” Viktoria Abramchenko commented.
In addition, mutual interest in further promoting Russian-Mongolian cooperation in transport was reaffirmed. The Ulan Bator Railway improvement project will continue.
Cooperation in industry is also expanding. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, this year Ulan Bator hosted Spetsmash 2021, an exhibition of the latest Russian agriculture and road construction equipment. Possible imports of Russian heavy engineering products for Mongolian mining enterprises, as well as rawhides from Mongolia are being discussed.
