Japan-Mongolia Leaders’ Working Lunch (Summary)
September 20, 2023
[Provisional translation]
On September 20, commencing at 1:10 p.m. local time (2:10 a.m., September 21, Japan time) for approximately 1 hour, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a working lunch with H.E. Mr. Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH, President of Mongolia. The summary of the working lunch is as follows.
- Outset
Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that the two leaders concurred on upgrading the bilateral relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” during President Khurelsukh’s visit to Japan in November last year (2022), marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Kishida then stated that Japan and Mongolia, which share fundamental values, should work together also in the regional and international community.
In response, President Khurelsukh expressed his desire to further strengthen the bilateral relations under the new partnership. - Bilateral relations
The two leaders welcomed the continuation of high-level dialogues and mutual visits between the two countries this year, marking the beginning of another 50 years of the bilateral relationship. The two leaders also confirmed the steady progress in cooperation projects in various sectors based on the “Japan-Mongolia Action Plan (2022-2031),” which was issued on occasion of President Khurelsukh’s visit to Japan in November last year.
Prime Minister Kishida conveyed the launch of the first project under Japan’s plan to plant 50,000 trees over five years in Mongolia to extend cooperation to Mongolia’s “One Billion Tree” National Campaign, which President Khurelsukh proposed in his statement at the General Debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly as part of measures against climate change and desertification. In response, President Khurelsukh expressed his deep appreciation.
The two leaders expressed their hope for further mutual understanding and strengthened tourism exchanges between the peoples of the two countries, including through the Japanese TV drama shot in Mongolia. - Regional and international affairs
The two leaders candidly exchanged views on regional and international affairs including the response to North Korea including nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and shared the necessity of the United Nations reform and also shared the importance of further deepening cooperation and coordination including within the United Nations.
Prime Minister Kishida explained that the discharge of ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water into the sea is being conducted in accordance with international standards and international practices with all possible measures taken to ensure safety, and sought the understanding of Mongolia. In response, President Khurelsukh expressed his support for Japan’s position.
