OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada and Mongolia have reached new agreements to improve trade and market access, as well as strengthen both agricultural cooperation and Mongolia’s democratic governance and institutions.  The Prime Minister made the announcement following a bilateral meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Sükhbaatar Batbold, who is visiting Canada from September 27 to October 1.
 
“The agreements signed today show that our countries are committed to developing our relationship,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “We look forward to further strengthening our ties, including cooperating on institutional reform and peace and security.”
 
Canada and Mongolia agreed to three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) designed to strengthen trade cooperation and development between the two countries.

Prime Minister Harper also announced that a study comparing Canada’s Public Service Commission and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia will be completed shortly.

The two leaders also issued a Joint Statement highlighting the results of their meeting and setting forth steps for the future development of the Canada-Mongolia bilateral relationship.

Canada and Mongolia enjoy excellent and growing bilateral relations.  The two countries have much in common, including vast landscapes, abundant mineral resources and a shared commitment to democracy.  Canada and Mongolia also have a strong interest in expanding trade, which was valued at $164 million in 2009.
 
 

Backgrounder

CANADA-MONGOLIA MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING

Following discussions between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mongolian Prime Minister Sükhbaatar Batbold, Canada and Mongolia agreed to three Memoranda of Understanding:
 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Standards Council of Canada and the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology

The leaders have agreed on an MOU between the Standards Council of Canada and the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology.  This MOU aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange between Canadian and Mongolian experts in the area of standardization and to promote best practices in various sectors, including roads, transport, construction and urban development.  Cooperation on standardization activities is expected to contribute to bilateral trade as well as enhance market access.


Memorandum of Understanding between the Public Service Commission of Canada and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia

The MOU between the Public Service Commission of Canada and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia is aimed at strengthening Mongolia’s institutions of democratic governance.  It will facilitate cooperation on public service reform and training and assist Mongolia in creating a more competent, merit-based, non-partisan public service.  The MOU follows up on the May 2010 visit to Mongolia by the President of the Public Service Commission, the Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Senior Personnel and Public Service Renewal and the President of the Canada School of Public Service. 
 
The Public Service Commission is on schedule to complete a comparative study that aims to obtain a broader understanding of how each civil service functions. The study will be useful in identifying possible areas of future cooperation.
 
Memorandum of Understanding between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Mongolian Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry

This Memorandum of Understanding will further promote cooperation between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Mongolian Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry in agriculture, and will facilitate information, technology and commercial exchanges.  Agricultural development is a priority for Mongolia and agricultural science and technology is seen as critical to the country’s economic growth.


Other Announcements

 
The Joint Statement issued by Prime Minister Harper and Prime Minister Batbold sets forth joint priorities for the bilateral relationship.  It includes a commitment by Mongolia to accede to the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines.  It also outlines important objectives towards achieving enhanced trade and investment relations.  Through the Joint Statement, there is a mutual commitment to conclude current negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).  Ratification of this agreement would be followed by bilateral exploratory discussions regarding a possible agreement on free trade.


 
Backgrounder

CANADA-MONGOLIA RELATIONS

Canada and Mongolia share a commitment to democracy and to constructive international engagement.  This visit will expand Canada’s engagement with a valued partner.
 
The Canada-Mongolia relationship is dynamic and growing in importance. Our countries have much in common, including vast landscapes, abundant mineral resources and a commitment to democracy. Canada and Mongolia share values of democracy as well as a mutual interest in expanding trade.
 
Canada and Mongolia have witnessed a series of reciprocal visits of parliamentarians and government officials at all levels, including the visit of then-Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi to Canada in 2004.  This visit of Prime Minister Batbold will be the first visit to Canada by a Mongolian leader since that of former President Bagabandi. 
 
Canada established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1973, having recognized it 30 years earlier, in 1943.  The 2008 opening of a Canadian Embassy – and appointment of Canada’s first resident Ambassador to Mongolia the same year – is evidence of the importance Canada places on its relationship with Mongolia. Prime Minister Batbold’s visit will build on the development in bilateral relations which has occurred since the opening of the Embassy. 

Canadian and multilateral organizations receiving Canadian development assistance funds are active in Mongolia. Canada also supports development projects of Mongolian non-governmental organizations through the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
 
Canada and Mongolia cooperate bilaterally through the Canadian Forces Military Training and Cooperation Program.  In March 2010, Mongolia was welcomed as a full non-NATO contributor nation to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF).  Mongolia also contributes to other international peacekeeping operations, and currently has more than 400 personnel deployed on five UN missions.
 
Canada-Mongolia Commercial Relations

Canada has significant and growing trade and investment interests in Mongolia. With more than $600 million of direct investment, Canada is the second-largest overall foreign investor after China.
 
Canada’s main commercial interest in Mongolia is mining investment and there are important Canadian firms active in the country.  In 2009, two-way merchandise trade was valued at $164 million.
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