On 1-2 December 2022, a military delegation from NATO’s Cooperative Security Division, led by its Director, Major General Francesco Diella travelled to Ulaanbaatar to meet with representatives from the Mongolian Military Authorities. The talks were held within the framework of NATO’s Partnership with Mongolia.
The two-day meeting was an opportunity to confirm NATO’s ongoing commitment to its partnership with Mongolia, which was established in 2005 and includes cooperation on a range of issues, such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, cyber security developing mechanisms for crisis prevention and management, and building capacity.
Opening the meeting, Major General Diella noted NATO’s continued commitment to strengthen dialogue and relations with Mongolia, especially when addressing shared security challenges. “In this challenging security environment, regional instability can have global implications and affect more countries than just the ones who are directly involved. Nevertheless, by working together, including with NATO Partners, our Alliance can help mitigate and limit foreseeable effects”, highlighted Major General Diella.
Continuing with the programme, Major General Diella then provided some insight into the outcomes of the 2022 NATO Summit and the adoption of the new Strategic Concept, especially in regards to partnerships. “Many of today’s challenges are global and no longer bound by geography. This was made abundantly clear in the new Strategic Concept – global outreach is key”. He added that “as an Alliance, we must endeavour to do more with existing Partners, while seeking out new ones”.
The Mongolian delegation, led by Colonel Gandirvaa Chuluunbor, Director of the Strategic and Policy Planning Directorate from the Ministry of Defence, started their intervention by providing some insight into national priorities, including an overview on the government’ security and defence policies as well as an update on their national threat assessment. The discussions then turned to regional security, and Mongolia’s engagement and cooperation with other Asian countries. The NATO delegation was also briefed on bilateral cooperation programmes Mongolia has with individual NATO Allies.
On the second day, the NATO delegation was able to visit the Five Hills Peacekeeping Training Centre, which offers courses on peace support, humanitarian relief, and security operations. The Centre was recognised as part of the network of Partnership Training and Education Centres, in August 2014. “Mongolia is a strong partner when it comes to peace and security operations. For almost 16 years, Mongolia contributed forces to NATO missions, first in KFOR, then ISAF and subsequently to our Resolute Support Mission. This commitment shows a strong engagement towards global peace and stability. This centre offers an opportunity to share some of the valuable experience gathered serving in international missions”, concluded Major General Diella.