Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia from September 8-10, 2024, highlighted the NATO-Mongolia partnership, focusing on military cooperation, capability development, and peacekeeping contributions. Discussions with Mongolian military leaders centered on modernization efforts and NATO’s strategic goals. The relationship has evolved since 2005, marking a commitment to addressing joint security challenges.
From September 8 to 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia following an invitation from the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit highlighted NATO’s long-standing partnership with Mongolia, emphasizing shared commitment to dialogue, defense capability development, and interoperability, alongside sharing results from the 2024 Washington Summit. The NATO-Mongolia relationship has been strengthened through initiatives surrounding education, peacekeeping, and capacity building.
On September 8, Admiral Bauer toured the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center to assess its field training area. This center has been essential to Mongolia’s participation in global security efforts for over a decade. Through this visit, Admiral Bauer recognized Mongolia’s dedication to international peace and the insights gained from its active role in NATO missions.
On September 9, Admiral Bauer received a military honor and conferred with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev regarding the modernization initiatives of the Mongolian Armed Forces. Furthermore, he engaged with Mongolian troops who had participated in NATO missions, which included over 16 years of contributions in operations such as Kosovo and Afghanistan. His discussions at the Ministry of Defence and with the National Security Council highlighted the importance of collaborative military efforts amidst global security challenges.
During his final day on September 10, Admiral Bauer met with Allied embassy representatives in Mongolia to discuss the integration of civilian and military diplomacy for a broader understanding of international relations. The visit culminated at the statue of Chinggis Khaan, symbolizing Mongolia’s rich military heritage. Since 2005, NATO and Mongolia have engaged in steady dialogue, progressing to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme focused on diverse issues like human security and climate change.
In October 2024, personnel from NATO and Mongolia are scheduled to conduct military staff talks at NATO headquarters to further advance their cooperative endeavors.
Mongolia has maintained a cooperative relationship with NATO since 2005. Initially established to enhance educational and operational capacities, this partnership has grown into a comprehensive framework, enabling Mongolia to align its defense strategies with NATO standards. The transition to the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024 marks a significant development, allowing for more focused collaboration on critical issues, including the Women, Peace and Security agenda, human security, climate change, and cyber defense.
Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia reinforced the vital partnership between NATO and Mongolia, which is characterized by shared democratic values and a common goal of maintaining peace and security. Through discussions and engagements, both parties are working towards enhancing military cooperation to address global security challenges. Upcoming military staff talks scheduled for October 2024 signify ongoing commitment to strengthened relations.
Original Source: www.nato.int
