” Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing large economies in the world. With its rich natural resources and strong aspiration for development, Mongolia can be an important partner in India’s growth story,” she said. Swaraj, who arrive here on Tuesday on a two-day visit, said collaboration for the ongoing refinery project is in recognition of this fact. She said Mongolia is not only India’s strategic partner but also a spiritual neighbour.
” We also agreed that we should make all efforts to maintain and accelerate the momentum of our interaction in all areas.” She said that in tandem with the countries’ ‘ever growing’ engagement, India and Mongolai will have more frequent visits now on at Foreign Minister’s level. Calling upon the Mongolian business community to seize economic opportunities arising out of ‘India’s growth’, she said the two countries have agreed to remove institutional and logistical impediments to boost trade, tourism and people to people contacts.
” In this regard, we also agreed to explore possibility of launching direct air connectivity between our two capitals,” she said. In the meeting, they discussed economic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, energy, services and IT. She said that India is committed for capacity building programmes for the people of Mongolia, including in areas such as, training in English language and IT.
She said India looks forward to more students from Mongolia visiting the country for pursuing vocational education and training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme, also known as ITEC, and through scholarships offered by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. ” We would encourage students from Mongolia to pursue studies in Indian art, music and culture which would further reinforce our cultural links,” she said. In view of the two countries’ common Buddhist heritage, she said, India also encourage students from Mongolia to visit the country for further study and research in the field of Buddhist studies.
Swaraj will participate in a special event to commemorate the birth centenary of the Venerable 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, who was not only an eminent Buddhist leader, but also the longest serving Ambassador of India to Mongolia. The event will mark his contribution to the promotion of Buddhism in Mongolia and to the deepening of civilizational and spiritual bonds between the two countries.
She said India and Mongolia share a bond of peace through Buddhism. ” As we tread the path of developing our partnership; I am sure, the teachings of Lord Buddha will continue to guide us,” she said. India and Mongolia have close cooperation in trade and economy, science, health, agriculture, culture, education, communication and tourism. The two countries are also working closely to ensure security and curbing international crimes and terrorism. The total trade between the two countries amounted to USD 25.6 million in 2016.
