Admiral Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia from September 8-10, 2024. The visit focused on enhancing NATO-Mongolia cooperation in defense capabilities and international security issues, celebrating a partnership that emphasizes shared democratic values and aims at effective military collaboration.
From September 8 to 10, 2024, Admiral Bauer, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, visited Mongolia at the invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. This visit emphasized the strength and significance of NATO’s partnership with Mongolia and allowed Admiral Bauer to reaffirm NATO’s commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the areas of capability development and interoperability. The partnership is exemplified through educational initiatives, peacekeeping efforts, and various capacity-building projects.
During his visit on September 8, Admiral Bauer toured the Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Center (PSOTC), which has been an integral part of NATO’s training networks over the past decade. This tour provided Admiral Bauer with insights into Mongolia’s commitment to global stability and the valuable experiences gained through participation in NATO operations. On September 9, he was ceremonially welcomed at the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces and held discussions with Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev regarding the modernization plans for the Mongolian military.
Admiral Bauer also had the opportunity to meet with Mongolian troops who have actively served in NATO-led peacekeeping missions, underlining Mongolia’s substantial contributions to such operations over the past 16 years—initially in Kosovo and later in Afghanistan. The following meetings included discussions with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and the Secretary of the National Security Council, emphasizing military cooperation in a global context, tailored to mutual needs and respect between NATO and its partners.
On the concluding day of his visit, Admiral Bauer engaged with representatives from Allied embassies in Mongolia. He highlighted the importance of integrating civilian and military diplomacy for a comprehensive approach to international collaboration. His visit culminated with a tribute to Mongolia’s historical military legacy at the statue of Chinggis Khaan.
The NATO-Mongolia partnership has evolved since its inception in 2005, further advancing through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme established in March 2012. In 2024, Mongolia moved to its first Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO, addressing issues such as the Women, Peace and Security agenda, climate security, and cyber defense. The next NATO-Mongolia military staff talks are scheduled for October 2024 at NATO headquarters.
NATO’s partnership with Mongolia has flourished since 2005, with significant strides made in the development of cooperative frameworks. The establishment of the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme in 2012 facilitated structured collaboration, which further evolved into the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme in 2024. This partnership focuses on multiple pressing issues, reflecting a commitment to shared democratic values and mutual interests in maintaining global peace and security. The growing defense capabilities of Mongolia and its contributions to international peacekeeping missions underscore its role as a critical NATO partner in the region.
In summary, Admiral Bauer’s visit to Mongolia reinforced NATO’s enduring partnership with the nation, highlighting the shared goals of peace, stability, and democracy. Through various engagements and discussions, the visit underscored the essential role of military cooperation in addressing contemporary global security challenges. The modeled collaboration demonstrated during this visit serves as a testament to the mutually beneficial relationship that NATO and Mongolia continue to cultivate.
Original Source: www.nato.int
