ULAANBAATAR: Mongolia is set to open an embassy in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmonkh presented a draft resolution to the Speaker of the Parliament of Mongolia, Mr. Zandanshatar Gombozhav, outlining the proposal for the establishment and operation of the Embassy of Mongolia in Tashkent.
In a statement, the Mongolian Foreign Ministry highlighted the strategic importance of Uzbekistan, with its population exceeding 35 million, making it the largest market in the Central Asian region. The country is recognized as a leader in the development of agriculture and light industry, presenting valuable opportunities for cooperation, particularly in increasing and diversifying the supply of healthy food products. The collaboration aims to contribute to Mongolia’s goal of ensuring food security.
Uzbekistan’s Independent Foreign Policy
The statement emphasized Uzbekistan’s position as a country pursuing an independent foreign policy, distinguishing it from other Central Asian nations. Unlike neighboring countries that were part of the former Soviet Union, Uzbekistan is not a member of the CSTO or the Eurasian Economic Union, underscoring its preference for an independent foreign policy.
Bilateral trade between Mongolia and Uzbekistan has been on the rise, reaching $10.4 million in 2022. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry of both nations jointly organized a business meeting in Tashkent in 2022, fostering economic collaboration.
The proposed embassy in Tashkent will have three full-time employees, and the associated costs are already included in Mongolia’s 2024 budget.
