US, Mongolia Discuss Free, Open Indo-Pacific Region

Washington, Aug 1 (PTI) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday met his Mongolian counterpart Khaltmaagiin Battulga and discussed promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the White House said as the two countries declared strategic partnership.

"The two leaders talked about deepening cooperation between the United States and Mongolia to advance shared economic and security interests and to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the White House said in a readout of the meeting between Trump and Battulga.

They also discussed opportunities to increase the bilateral trade and investment, including ways to create a more favourable business environment to attract increased investment.

During the meeting, Trump noted Mongolia's efforts to increase global security through meaningful contributions to the international coalition in Afghanistan.

He also recognised Mongolia's commitment to freedom of religion and praised the its government for preserving the country's legendary culture.

The White House said the visit presented a vital opportunity to enhance the "already strong" United States–Mongolia relationship.

"The United States supported Mangolia's free democratic society after renouncing communism in 1990, creating a foundation of goodwill that remains today," it said.

Noting that Trump and Battulga are engaging on a range of issues, including defense and security, trade and investment, the White House said the US was working closely with Mongolia to deepen their security ties and promote a healthy economic relationship between the two countries.

The United States and Mongolia have agreed that their relationship has reached the level of a "strategic partnership".

In a joint declaration of strategic partnership, the two vowed to intensify cooperation as strong democracies and deepen national security and law-enforcement ties through collaboration on bilateral and multilateral security.

Both governments declared to cooperate in promoting national security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region so that all nations were able pursue economic growth consistent with international laws and principles of fair competition.

Earlier Battulga described people of Mongolia as great fighters.

"You know, they're great fighters, wrestlers and champions. We have the grand champion of sumo wrestling with us. He's here from Mongolia,” he said.

"I was told that in Japan, actually, that they've had four grand champions from Mongolia. So, they're great, great fighters. Your people are great fighters. …we need great fighters too,” Trump said.

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