The European Union (EU) and Mongolia convened for their annual Joint Committee meeting under the EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, reaffirming their shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of the UN Charter.

Promoting green sustainable development in Mongolia emerged as a key objective during the meeting, aligning with the EU-Mongolia Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Notably, Mongolia stands among the five priority countries with whom the EU has inked a Forest Partnership Agreement as part of the Global Gateway Flagship program, in the aftermath of the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in November 2022. Both parties acknowledged the pressing need to combat climate change and safeguard the environment, while lending their full support to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda.

An essential milestone on the agenda was the ongoing negotiation of an agreement on the protection of geographical indications, initiated in 2022, demonstrating the mutual dedication to promoting and preserving distinctive products and regions.

Amid global challenges, the EU and Mongolia expressed shared concern for the civilian population suffering and the targeting of civilian infrastructures, emphasizing the urgency for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with UN Charter principles. Echoing their unwavering commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all nations, both parties stressed the paramountcy of upholding international law and the multilateral system in maintaining peace and security.

In the realm of human rights, the EU and Mongolia continued their collaborative efforts, recently holding their annual Human Rights Dialogue on 18 July 2023. Discussions revolved around the latest human rights developments in both territories, cooperation with UN Human Rights monitoring bodies, approaches to Business and Human Rights, judiciary reforms in Mongolia, and the ongoing reform of the EU’s GSP+ Scheme.

In the spirit of cooperation, the Working Group on Development Cooperation met on 19 July 2023. The participants commended the significant progress achieved in the implementation of the Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027 and the Global Gateway since the last meeting, while also looking forward to addressing future challenges and opportunities.

With an eye on the future, both parties resolved to strengthen their cooperation on green transition, connectivity, and digitalization. To this end, they will harness the support of the EU’s Global Gateway and Team Europe Initiatives in collaboration with EU Member States and European Development Banks, aligning with Mongolia’s mid-term and long-term development goals.