For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 15, 2004
Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Mongolia
President Bush and President Bagabandi today declared a new era of
cooperation and comprehensive partnership between their two democratic
countries based on shared values and common strategic interests. They
welcomed the progress in implementing the Joint Statement of January
31, 2004 and looked ahead to future consultations and collaboration.
The two sides agreed to work towards maintaining regular consultations
at all levels. They also expressed satisfaction that the relationship
between their two countries continues to grow and strengthen.
President Bagabandi's visit illustrates the important progress we have
made in our bilateral relationship and in our mutual participation in
the larger community of democracies.
The United States welcomed the recent free and fair elections in
Mongolia as another manifestation of Mongolia's strong and abiding
commitment to democracy.
President Bush expressed the United States' strong support for
Mongolia's democratic and economic transition and reforms and welcomed
Mongolia's progress toward becoming a mature and stable democracy and a
private sector-led free market economy. He congratulated President
Bagabandi and the Mongolian people for qualifying for eligibility for
the Millennium Challenge Account, a new approach to achieving
sustainable economic growth that rewards countries for past performance
and provides incentives for continuing dynamic policy reforms.
President Bush congratulated the Mongolian people on their commitment
to democracy as expressed in their recent elections and noted
confidence that the election process would be successfully completed in
a free, fair and transparent manner consistent with Mongolia's
constitution.
The two Presidents agreed that a democratic, secure, and prosperous
Mongolia that promotes friendly relations with its neighbors and is an
active participant in regional and international economic, political,
and security forums is essential to ensuring peace and stability in
Asia. The United States supports Mongolia's efforts to integrate itself
into regional and international economic and financial structures.
President Bush and President Bagabandi also noted their common
support for the permanent, thorough, and transparent dismantlement of
nuclear programs on the Korean Peninsula. The United States
acknowledges Mongolia's efforts to gain internationally recognized and
legally binding nuclear weapon-free status to further enhance
confidence-building measures in North East Asia.
President Bush welcomed Mongolia's commitment to combat
international terrorism and applauded Mongolia's participation in the
stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, including its
peacekeeping commitment to the Multinational Force in Iraq. The United
States and Mongolia agreed to continue working to advance Mongolia's
contribution to international peacekeeping efforts. President Bush
reaffirmed the U.S. willingness to continue bilateral programs of
technical assistance consistent with Mongolia's long-term developmental
goals. President Bagabandi expressed Mongolia's deep appreciation to
the United States for its long-term support and economic assistance.
The two Presidents agreed that the establishment of a free, democratic
Iraq is important to democracy, peace and stability in the Middle East
and the United Nations should play a leading role in the process.
The two Presidents agreed to actively promote bilateral trade and
investment and noted signing of the United States-Mongolia Trade and
Investment Framework Agreement during President Bagabandi's visit. The
Presidents expressed the hope that this would lead in due course to a
closer bilateral economic and trade relationship.
The two Presidents recognized that a U.S.-Mongolia relationship
based on mutual respect and equitable partnership is in the national
interest of both countries. They pledged to deepen and strengthen this
important relationship and to work together to promote global freedom,
peace, democracy and prosperity.
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