India, Mangolia vow to combat terror, boost trade; ink pacts

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday held bilateral talks with her Mongolian counterpart Damdin Tsogtbaatar.

During the Indian-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation, the two sides discussed pressing global challenges, particularly the scourge of terrorism and agreed to collaborate bilaterally and in international arena to thwart the designs of those who extend support to terrorist outfits.

"We (India & Mongolia) discussed some of the pressing global challenges facing the humanity particularly terrorism and agreed to calibrate bilaterally and in the international arena to ward off these evil thoughts and designs extended to support terror outfits," Swaraj said.

The two sides also reviewed the progress in the ongoing collaborative projects, including the refinery project selected by the Government of Mongolia for implementation with the support of USD one billion Indian Line of Credit.

"We directed our officials to coordinate follow up action on each side for the expeditious implementation of these projects. Our strong political ties must be complemented by commensurate levels of trade, economy and investment," she said.

"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 is the first Indian foreign minister to visit in Mongolia in 42 years, is on a two-day visit to the Buddhist nation.

Earlier, she commenced the day with a visit to Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, where she was welcomed by the chief abbot of Mongolian Buddhism, Hambo Lama D. Choijamts.

"The Gandan Tegchenling monastery is known to be the centre of Mongolian Buddhist and a treasure house of a valuable Buddhist heritage, knowledge and unique rituals." as said by Kumar," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The minister will co-chair the 6th round of India-Mongolia Joint Consultative Committee (IMJCC) meeting with Tsogtbaatar, covering a range of issues including, inter alia, political, strategic, economic, educational and cultural ties. The last meeting of IMJCC was held in New Delhi in 2016.

Swaraj will also deliver the keynote address at the Kushok Bakula Birth Centenary Celebrations in Ulaanbaatar.

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 $25.6 million in 2016.

Swaraj earlier visited China where she participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting and on Sunday held wide-ranging bilateral talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

OneIndia News (with agency inputs)