LOC20:25
17:25 GMT
NEW DELHI, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- India and Mongolia agreed on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral ties on the occasion of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's India visit.
A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that Mongoliaآ’s President who arrived yesterday in New Delhi on a four-day visit heading a high level delegation held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and explored ways of deepening historic ties.
The discussions covered strategic and development partnership, cultural ties, trade, education, critical minerals, renewable energy, and people to people exchanges.
Both countries signed 10 MoUs in the area of cultural exchange, immigration cooperation, promotion of cooperatives, humanitarian aid, geology and mineral resources, quick impact projects, yoga and also renovation of the Bogd Khan Palace.
"Over the past decade, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper across every dimension. Our defence and security cooperation is also steadily strengthening," Modi said during the joint press conference.
"We have launched several new initiatives, from training programs to the appointment of a Defense Attachأ© at the Embassy. India will also launch a new capacity-building program for Mongolia's border security forces," he said.
He also hailed the shared values and approach to global issues that both the countries adopt. "We stand as close partners in international forums, supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Together, we also work to amplify the voice of the Global South," he said. Modi also asserted that the relationship between India and Mongolia is more than just a diplomatic relationship. "It is a deep, soulful, and spiritual bond. The depth and scope of our partnership is reflected in our people-to-people ties," the Indian PM said.
During the visit, India promised to strengthen Mongoliaآ’s energy security through the Oil Refinery Project supported by Indiaآ’s USD 1.7 billion line of credit.
President Khurelsukh also met President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister J.P. Nadda. (end)
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