Annual political dialogue between the UK and Mongolia: joint press statement

On 23 March 2026, the Deputy Foreign Minister Gombosuren Amartuvshin welcomed the United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Seema Malhotra MP to Ulaanbaatar for the second annual Political Dialogue under the Mongolia-UK Joint Co-operation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

Deputy Foreign Minister G.Amartuvshin and Minister Malhotra reaffirmed the strong partnership between Mongolia and the UK, built on shared democratic values, respect for international law, and close economic relations.

In a rapidly changing global context, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and democratic values. These principles are anchors for Mongolia and the UK in navigating global uncertainty. Both sides renewed calls for all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and sovereign independence of any state.

Mongolia and the UK recognised that there were many opportunities for further strengthening bilateral relations and co-operation across all areas.

Ministers underlined the importance of people to people ties and shared commitment to democratic values for all areas of bilateral Mongolia-UK co-operation.

Both ministers agreed increasing access to education opportunities would strengthen ties further. Ministers committed to continue exploring ways to expand co-operation between higher education institutions, noting the many young Mongolian students enrolling on the Chevening Scholarship.

Deputy Foreign Minister G. Amartuvshin expressed Mongolia’s appreciation to UK for its continued support in English Language teaching, provided in partnership with British organisations. The ministers welcomed the expansion of quality English language teaching through partnership between the Mongolian Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and British organisations. They welcomed this provision extended to rural and nomadic communities.

The ministers welcomed Mongolia’s vibrant civil society and recognised the important contribution that civil society organisations make to democratic societies. They also welcomed the role these organisations play in increasing women’s political and economic empowerment. Minister Malhotra welcomed the collaboration between the BBC Media Action and Mongolian media supporting these goals.

Both sides welcomed the increased number of female parliamentarians in both countries and committed to maintaining progress toward women’s political participation at all levels.

In challenging global circumstances, ministers committed to explore opportunities to support mutual and resilient economic growth whilst increasing the flows of trade and investment between Mongolia and the UK. To that end, the ministers discussed their national economic plans, noting areas of alignment between our respective strategies on priority Industrial strategy sectors.

Ministers discussed the need for improvement of the business environment in Mongolia, and stability for new and existing investment. Both ministers noted the UK’s readiness to continue discussions on UK Export Finance regarding support to the construction of Ulaanbaatar’s first Metro.

Both ministers recognised the important role private and public finance played in tackling climate change. Transitioning to clean energy was a key priority for both nations.

Ministers looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 Desertification in August 2026 and to its success. Mongolia welcomed the role of UK experts played in COP-17 preparations.

Ministers noted the substantial benefits of Mongolia-UK co-operation on critical minerals. They recognised that our co-operation was vital to diversifying supply chains, global economic resilience and future growth. Sharing innovations, research and expertise including, on rare earth and minerals presented more opportunities to strengthen ties.

The ministers agreed on the importance of the highest Environmental, Social, Governance standards and agreed to work together to increase co-operation through the Working Group established under the MOU on Critical Minerals between Mongolia and UK.

Both ministers welcomed opportunities for continued and regular engagement between Mongolia and the UK and look forward to scaling-up the co-operation to a Comprehensive Partnership.