Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia from September 8 to 10, 2024, strengthening NATO’s partnership with the country. His visit included discussions on military modernization, peacekeeping contributions, and the importance of combining military and civilian diplomacy. The visit highlighted ongoing cooperation through an Individually Tailored Partnership Programme which addresses global security issues.
From September 8 to 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, undertook an official visit to Mongolia at the invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit emphasized the significance of NATO’s enduring partnership with Mongolia, allowing Admiral Bauer to reaffirm NATO’s dedication to enhancing dialogue and collaboration aimed at building military capabilities and interoperability, as well as sharing the results of the recent 2024 Washington DC Summit. The partnership has been evident in various domains, including education, peacekeeping, and capacity-building efforts.
On September 8, Admiral Bauer toured the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC), where he observed the field training area. Celebrated for over a decade for its contributions to building peace, the PSOTC acts as part of the network of Partnership Training and Education Centres. Admiral Bauer took this opportunity to learn from Mongolia’s engagement in NATO missions and its commitment to fostering global stability.
The following day, Admiral Bauer was ceremoniously received at the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. He conferred with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev to discuss vital modernization initiatives within the Mongolian Armed Forces. Additionally, he met with troops involved in NATO-led peacekeeping operations, with Mongolia having participated in such missions for over sixteen years, notably in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Admiral Bauer’s discussions extended to the Ministry of Defence, fostering critical dialogue on military cooperation amidst evolving global security challenges.
On September 10, Admiral Bauer engaged with foreign representatives from Allied embassies in Mongolia, exemplifying the importance of integrating civilian and military diplomacy for a comprehensive approach to international partnerships. He concluded his visit by paying tribute at the statue of Chinggis Khaan, symbolizing Mongolia’s rich historical and military heritage.
Since 2005, NATO and Mongolia have maintained a robust framework of dialogue and cooperation, evolving from an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme initiated in March 2012 to a more customized Individually Tailored Partnership Programme introduced in 2024. This program encompasses vital areas such as the Women, Peace and Security agenda, climate change, emergency management, human security, and cyber defense. Future military staff talks are scheduled to take place at NATO Headquarters in October 2024, reflecting ongoing commitment to partnership.
The relationship between NATO and Mongolia began in 2005, driven by the need for global collaboration in security matters. Mongolia has progressively engaged with NATO through various frameworks aimed at enhancing its military capabilities and interoperability with NATO forces. Over the years, this partnership has fostered significant cooperation in peacekeeping efforts and capacity-building initiatives, reflecting shared democratic values and a mutual commitment to peace and stability. The transition to the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024 represents a strategic enhancement of this relationship, focusing on contemporary security challenges such as climate change and cyber defense.
In conclusion, Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia underscores NATO’s steadfast commitment to its partnership with Mongolia, highlighting shared values of democracy and security. The discussions and engagements during this visit illustrate a proactive approach to enhancing military cooperation amidst global security challenges. The future of the NATO-Mongolia partnership appears bright, with planned military staff talks aiming to deepen this collaborative spirit.
Original Source: www.nato.int
