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Joint statement on an expanded partnership between Canada and Mongolia
October 20, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi today issued the following joint statement:
On the occasion of the state visit of President Natsagiin Bagabandi to Canada, we underscore our mutual desire to further enhance cooperation and dialogue, building on the existing Canada-Mongolia partnership.
We commit ourselves to expanded partnership and reaffirm our shared commitment to enhance bilateral relations within the context of respect for democracy, market-oriented economies and universally recognized principles, including those enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
We agree that the Canada-Mongolia Roundtable should be held on a regular basis as a forum to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern.
We welcome the increasing volume of Canadian investment in the Mongolian mining sector, and agree to work to expand opportunities to extend bilateral trade and further encourage investment.
Canada congratulates Mongolia for its full support of the aims of the Ottawa Convention and Mongolia’s intention to continue its efforts to consider acceding to the Convention. To this end, Mongolia will submit, on a voluntary basis, a national report on the status of its anti-personnel mines. Mongolia also states its intention not to acquire, transfer or deploy its anti-personnel mines.
Canada and Mongolia agree to enhance cooperation on regional issues, including in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum. We also agree on the importance of strengthening the region’s non-proliferation regime and of promoting regional cooperation and dialogue, especially in Northeast Asia. Canada expresses its full support for Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status and its efforts toward the institutionalization of that status.
Against the backdrop of the recent decision by the two countries’ relevant authorities to enhance military cooperation through the Military Training Assistance Program, we agree to work together to seek ways to strengthen international peacekeeping.
Mongolia expresses its appreciation for the effectiveness of Canada’s official development assistance and continued support for Mongolia in its efforts to promote long-term development goals. Canada welcomes Mongolia’s commitment to democracy and a market-oriented economy.
We confirm our mutual desire to encourage cooperation between educational institutions and enhance people-to-people contacts.
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