Mongolia's Prime Minister Seals Historic Partnerships in the Middle East

Prime Minister of Mongolia's Landmark Visit to the Middle East

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene recently undertook a significant week-long mission to the Middle East, marking a historic moment for Mongolia. This pivotal trip involved crucial discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and economic growth with prominent leaders from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Highlighting the importance of these relationships, the Prime Minister engaged in high-level meetings that promised to unlock new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.

During this unprecedented visit, the Prime Minister not only laid the groundwork for future partnerships but also became the first Mongolian Prime Minister to officially visit Bahrain. Such high-profile engagements illustrate Mongolia's growing allure as a destination for foreign direct investment, especially in light of the nation's impressive economic growth of 7% in 2023.

In Riyadh, Oyun-Erdene had fruitful discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their dialogue encompassed a range of topics including the realms of renewable energy, environmental protection, and mineral resources, signifying a mutual commitment to sustainable development strategies.

Likewise, the meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad illustrated a strong shared interest in promoting economic initiatives while tackling critical issues like desertification. The conversations reflected a joint dedication to fostering economic growth and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Oyun-Erdene also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, exploring potential collaborations that span various sectors, from the digital economy and tourism to innovative environmental practices. These cooperative discussions reinforce the broad scope of opportunities that lie ahead for both nations.

The visit coincided with the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, hosted in Riyadh. The Prime Minister delivered an insightful keynote address at this global gathering, shedding light on the dire effects of desertification in Mongolia and urging the international community for collaborative efforts in combating this pressing issue. Mongolia has been chosen to host UNCCD COP 17 summit in 2026, further emphasizing its active involvement in international environmental advocacy.

Additionally, at the One Water Summit, a significant meeting took place between Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene and French President Emmanuel Macron, where both leaders deliberated on enhancing cooperation within the mining sector — particularly through environmentally sustainable practices. This collaboration echoes Mongolia's strategic vision of aligning its mining initiatives with global environmental standards.

Reflecting on the visit's outcomes, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene expressed optimism, stating, "Strengthening Mongolia's economic and diplomatic ties with key neighbors in the Middle East is crucial for securing investments that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens while addressing environmental challenges that threaten our nomadic heritage." He emphasized that through strategic partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, Mongolia can access new opportunities across multiple sectors including mining, renewable energy, and tourism.

In conclusion, this historic visit has underscored Mongolia's potential as a significant player on the international stage, opening doors to promising economic prosperity. With the groundwork laid by Oyun-Erdene and the engaging dialogues with Middle Eastern leaders, the future appears bright for Mongolia’s international collaborations and investments.