Admiral Bauer Visits Mongolia to Strengthen NATO Partnership

Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia from September 8 to 10, 2024, to strengthen NATO’s partnership with Mongolia. The visit emphasized military cooperation, modernization efforts in the Mongolian Armed Forces, and Mongolia’s historical contributions to NATO missions. Discussions covered critical issues including climate change and cyber defense, aligning with the enhanced Individual Partnership Programme starting in 2024.

From September 8 to 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia, a key NATO partner since 2005, at the invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit emphasized NATO’s commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation with Mongolia, focusing on building military capabilities and interoperability. Additionally, Admiral Bauer shared insights from the recent 2024 Washington DC Summit and reiterated shared democratic aspirations for peace and stability between NATO member states and Mongolia.

During the visit, Admiral Bauer toured the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center, highlighting Mongolia’s significant contributions to global stability through various NATO missions over the years. He acknowledged Mongolia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, which have strengthened the partnership between NATO and Mongolia over recent decades.

A significant aspect of the visit occurred on September 9, when Admiral Bauer received a military guard of honor and engaged in discussions with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev regarding the ongoing modernization efforts within the Mongolian Armed Forces. Further meetings with Mongolian leaders, including the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and the Secretary of the National Security Council, reinforced the importance of military cooperation in addressing global security challenges.

On September 10, preparing for a more holistic approach to international partnerships, Admiral Bauer met with representatives from Allied embassies in Mongolia, emphasizing the importance of integrating civilian and military diplomacy. The visit concluded with a tribute to Mongolia’s military heritage at the statue of Chinggis Khaan. As Mongolia transitions to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024, cooperation will encompass various critical issues, including climate change, human security, and cyber defense, culminating in military staff talks at NATO Headquarters later in the year.

The NATO-Mongolia partnership has historically focused on enhancing military capabilities and fostering cooperation in peacekeeping operations. Engagement began in 2005 and evolved into formal partnerships that have addressed various security issues. The Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme initiated in 2012 demonstrates ongoing collaboration, while the transition to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024 signifies an enhanced strategic relationship aiming to tackle contemporary global challenges.

Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia reaffirmed the essential partnership between NATO and Mongolia, highlighting mutual interests in achieving peace, stability, and enhanced military cooperation. Significant discussions regarding modernization of the Mongolian Armed Forces, alongside recognition of past contributions to NATO missions, underscore the depth of this relationship and the future potential for collaborative efforts on pressing global issues, exemplified by the planned military staff talks at NATO Headquarters in October 2024.

Original Source: www.nato.int