Strengthening NATO-Mongolia Relations: Admiral Bauer’s Official Visit

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 included meetings with military leadership, commemoration of joint peacekeeping efforts, and discussions on modernization. Mongolia is transitioning to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, enhancing cooperation on key security issues, establishing a framework for continued collaborative endeavors between NATO and Mongolia.

From September 8 to September 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, undertook a significant visit to Mongolia, a long-standing NATO Partner, following an invitation from the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit highlighted the importance of deepening NATO’s partnership with Mongolia, emphasizing shared goals in promoting peace and stability. Admiral Bauer articulated NATO’s commitment to enhancing dialogue, cooperation, and capability development while sharing valuable insights from the 2024 Washington DC Summit.

During his visit, Admiral Bauer observed operations at the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC), which has been instrumental in training personnel for international missions and has been recognized as a vital part of NATO’s partnership network. He noted the lessons derived from Mongolia’s dedication to global stability through active participation in NATO missions, particularly in Kosovo and Afghanistan over the past 16 years.

On September 9, Admiral Bauer was ceremoniously greeted upon his visit to the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. In discussions with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev, he addressed the ongoing modernization efforts within the Mongolian Armed Forces. Additionally, he had the privilege of meeting with Mongolian troops who have contributed significantly to NATO-led operations, reaffirming the enduring bond between the armed forces of Mongolia and NATO.

His engagements also included meetings with key officials such as Brigadier General Gankhuyag.D and the Secretary of the National Security Council, Mr. Byambajargal, where he reiterated the necessity of military cooperation in addressing global security challenges. Each interaction underscored NATO’s ethos of mutual respect and tailored partnerships, which meet the specific needs of its partners.

On the final day, Admiral Bauer engaged with representatives from Allied embassies in Mongolia, advocating for an integrated approach combining civilian and military diplomacy to foster comprehensive international partnerships. He concluded his visit by honoring Mongolia’s historical legacy at the statue of Chinggis Khaan, emblematic of the nation’s military tradition.

NATO and Mongolia have cooperated since 2005, moving to an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme in 2012. Commencing in 2024, Mongolia has entered an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO, focusing on various critical issues, including human security, cyber defense, and climate-related security concerns. Notably, military staff talks between NATO and Mongolia are expected to take place in October 2024 at NATO headquarters.

The NATO-Mongolia partnership has evolved significantly since its inception in 2005. Framed within the context of geopolitical shifts and the increasing complexity of global security challenges, the cooperation aims to enhance Mongolia’s military capabilities and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts. Mongolia has been an active participant in NATO-led operations and continues to align its defense initiatives with the values and objectives of NATO. The transition to an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme marks a new phase in this collaboration, reflecting the focus on collective security and multifaceted international challenges.

In summary, Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia established a strong reaffirmation of NATO’s commitment to its partnership with Mongolia. The discussions on military cooperation, modernization, and shared democratic values underscore the importance both parties place on mutual respect and benefit. Looking ahead, the transition to tailored partnership arrangements signals a proactive approach to addressing contemporary security threats, fostering deeper collaboration on diverse global issues.

Original Source: www.nato.int