From 8 until 10 September 2024, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Bauer visited long-standing NATO Partner Mongolia upon the invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.
Admiral Bauer's visit underscored the value of NATO's ongoing partnership with Mongolia.
It allowed Admiral Bauer to express NATO's commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation in building capabilities and interoperability, and to share the outcomes of the 2024 Washington DC Summit.
The NATO-Mongolia partnership has been demonstrated through education, peacekeeping, and capacity-building. Admiral Bauer conveyed to his Mongolian counterparts that NATO Member States and Mongolia are linked by shared aspirations, and as democracies, share a fundamental desire for peace and stability.
On Sunday 8th September, Admiral Bauer visited the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC), where he visited the field training area. For over a decade, the Mongolian Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Centre has been recognised as part of the network of Partnership Training and Education Centres.
The visit allowed Admiral Bauer to observe the lessons learnt through Mongolia's strong commitment to global stability and the valuable lessons gained through experience in NATO's international missions.
On Monday 9th September, Admiral Bauer was welcomed by a military guard of honour upon visiting the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. Admiral Bauer met with Chief of the General Staff Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev to discuss the ongoing modernisation of the Mongolian Armed Forces. Admiral Bauer then had the opportunity to meet with Mongolian troops who have served in NATO-led peacekeeping operations and missions.
Mongolia contributed forces to NATO missions for over 16 years. First in Kosovo (KFOR) and later in Afghanistan (ISAF and later Resolute Support Mission).
This was followed by a visit to the Ministry of Defence, where Admiral Bauer met with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Gankhuyag.D. Later that day, Admiral Bauer also met with the Secretary of the National Security Council, Mr Byambajargal. A at the Government Palace.
In the meetings, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee underscored the value of military cooperation in a world where security challenges are not regional, but global. Cooperation with NATO Partners is always based on mutual respect and benefit and is tailored to the needs and requests of the Partner.
On 10th September, Admiral Bauer met with representatives from Allied embassies located in Mongolia. Here he outlined the value of combining civilian and military diplomacy. This ensures a more holistic view of international partnerships. To conclude the visit, Admiral Bauer visited the statue of Chinggis Khaan, a memorial dedicated to Mongolia's rich history and military tradition.
NATO and Mongolia have been engaged in dialogue and cooperation since 2005. Since March 2012, work has been taken forward through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme.
In 2024, Mongolia transitioned to its first Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO. This includes cooperation on a range of issues including the Women, Peace and Security agenda, climate change and security, emergency management, human security, and cyber defence. In October 2024, NATO and Mongolia will hold military staff talks at the NATO headquarters.
