Dick Lugar: “today as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am pleased to welcome the President of Mongolia…”

“today as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am pleased to welcome the President of Mongolia, His Excellency Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, a renowned promoter of democracy and a longtime friend of the United States. As a leader of the peaceful democratic revolution in Mongolia in 1990, President Elbegdorj was a pioneer of freedom in Mongolia. His distinguished service to Mongolia includes serving as Prime Minister and Vice Speaker of the Great Hural/Parliament. The United States recognized Mongolia in 1987 and established our first Embassy in Ulaanbaatar in 1988. We have supported Mongolia in its move toward democracy and market-oriented reforms. Our partnership with Mongolia is vibrant and growing with multiple intersects covering trade and economic issues, defense cooperation, and people-to-people programs. Mongolia is also active in regional and global affairs and would be an appropriate host for future multilateral talks related to North Korea and its nuclear weapons program. Since 2003, Mongolian troops have been deployed in support of coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, Mongolia has deployed over 3,000 personnel on U.N. peacekeeping missions in approximately 10 countries. I appreciate this opportunity to convey my appreciation for the personal leadership of President Elbegdorj and his important contribution to the growing of Mongolia-U.S. relations. ____________________”