BILATERAL RELATIONS

Mongolia and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1969 and strengthened them by opening of reciprocal Embassies in Ulaanbaatar and in Ankara respectively in 1996 and 1997. The Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation signed in 1995, became a basis to enrich the bilateral relations by signing a large number of agreements. In 2011, Mongolia declared Turkey as one of its “third neighbor” which can be considered as an indication of the importance placed on its relationship with Turkey. 

Moreover, the exchange of high-level political dignitaries as well as frequent summit meetings between our presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary speakers, has become important tool of strengthening of bilateral relations. The inter-parliamentary friendship groups established in the Parliaments of both countries are actively functioning and making huge contributions to the development of the bilateral relations and cooperation.  

It’s necessary to note that the Mongolian-Turkish Economic and Trade Joint Commission meeting was held seven times to date. Although large number of issues concerning the trade and economic cooperation have been resolved so far, still there a lot of opportunities and unused potentials in that direction. 

The opening of direct flight in 2012 between Istanbul and Ulaanbaatar, implementation of a reciprocal visa exemption (within 30 days) policy, as well as expansion of cooperation in construction, leather processing and tourism were main achievements in the development of bilateral relations which made Mongolia to become more attractive for Turkish investors. Due to the direct flight, the number of Mongolian, Turkish tourists as well as Turkish investors are increased. The opening of the Mongolian famous “Gobi” cashmere store’s branch in Armada Mall in Ankara is one of its proofs. It should be noted that cashmere is the one of main products of Mongolia’s export. 

Our two countries support each other’s commitment toward democracy and development.One of the core examples of this was Turkey’s political support for Mongolia’s full accession to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2012.

Since 2003, the two countries have institutionalized their defense cooperation through various joint agreements. Consequently, Turkey is one of the greatest contributors to Mongolian defense development and military education. Turkey also provides significant assistance to Mongolia’s police forces. 

Besides, Turkish assistance and cooperation in the area of education has played the most critical role in the development of our country. The Government of Turkey offered more than 1000 scholarships to Mongolian students since the early 1990s which are considered as a huge contribution to the future of young generation. In Mongolia there are about 2000 citizens graduated in Turkey, the 60% of which are employed in the private sector and the rest of them – are in the public sector.  

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

1. Agreement on trade, economic and technical cooperation, 1992

2. Agreement for air services, 1995

3. Agreement concerning cooperation in tourism, 1995

4. Treaty on friendly relations and cooperation, 1995

5. Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of fiscal evasion,1995

6. Agreement concerning the reciprocal encouragement and protection of investments, 1998

7. Agreement on co-operation and mutual assistance in customs matters, 1999

8. Agreement on defense cooperation , 1999

9. Agreement on legal assistance in civil, commercial and penal matters, 2000

10. Agreement on defense industry cooperation, 2001

11. Agreement on international road transport, 2002

12. Agreement on health cooperation, 2004

13. Agreement on environmental cooperation, 2006

14. Agreement on counter terrorism cooperation, 2010

15. Agreement on military financial cooperation, 2012

16. Agreement on security cooperation, 2013

17. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of Mongolia concerning mutual travelsof their citizens,2013

TURKEY-MONGOLIA PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP
IN THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY