Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia from September 8 to 10, 2024, to strengthen NATO’s partnership with the nation. His visit included tours of military training centers and discussions with Mongolian military leaders regarding modernization and cooperation. The trip emphasized shared values, contributions to international peacekeeping, and the expansion of NATO’s partnership programs in addressing global security issues.
From September 8 to 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, undertook a significant visit to Mongolia at the invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit highlighted the enduring partnership between NATO and Mongolia, emphasizing NATO’s commitment to fostering dialogue, enhancing cooperation in building military capabilities, and sharing insights from the recent 2024 Washington DC Summit. Admiral Bauer reaffirmed the shared democratic values and collective aspirations for peace and stability that bind NATO Member States and Mongolia.
On September 8, Admiral Bauer toured the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC), a facility recognized globally for its role in peacekeeping training. This visit afforded him the opportunity to observe the robust training and experiences derived from Mongolia’s active commitment to international peace and stability through NATO’s operations. His engagement with the training center underscored Mongolia’s profound involvement in global peacekeeping efforts.
The following day, Admiral Bauer was greeted with a military honor guard at the Mongolian Armed Forces General Staff headquarters, where he conferred with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev regarding the modernization initiatives of the Mongolian Military. Admiral Bauer met with Mongolian troops who participated in NATO-led missions, highlighting Mongolia’s contributions to NATO operations, particularly in Kosovo and Afghanistan over the past 16 years.
Additionally, Admiral Bauer convened with key officials, including Brigadier General Gankhuyag D. at the Ministry of Defence, and Mr. Byambajargal, Secretary of the National Security Council, to discuss the importance of military cooperation amidst global security challenges. He emphasized that NATO’s partnerships with member states are underpinned by fundamental principles of mutual respect and tailored support to address partner needs.
On the final day of his visit, Admiral Bauer hosted a meeting with representatives from allied embassies in Mongolia, emphasizing the integration of civilian and military diplomacy for comprehensive international collaboration. His visit concluded with a homage to the statue of Chinggis Khaan, symbolizing Mongolia’s illustrious military heritage.
NATO and Mongolia have maintained cooperative dialogue and partnerships since 2005. In March 2012, this collaboration evolved through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme, recently transitioning to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024. This program encompasses various initiatives, including gender security agendas, climate resilience, human security, and cyber defense, further solidifying the NATO-Mongolia partnership. Military staff discussions are slated for October 2024 at NATO headquarters, which will further reinforce this strategic alliance.
Since establishing dialogue and cooperation in 2005, NATO and Mongolia have developed a multifaceted partnership aimed at addressing global security issues. The collaboration has progressed through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme since 2012, emphasizing capacity-building and joint military training. In 2024, Mongolia advanced to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO, broadening the scope of cooperation to include pressing topics such as climate change, cyber defense, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, reflecting the evolving nature of their relationship.
Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia signifies a reaffirmation of NATO’s commitment to its partnerships and a strategic move towards enhancing military collaboration. The engagements throughout his visit demonstrate NATO’s recognition of Mongolia’s contributions to peace and stability in international missions, as well as the shared aspirations for security and democracy. As Mongolia transitions into a more tailored partnership with NATO, the foundations for future cooperation are robust and promising.
Original Source: www.nato.int
