U.S. Embassy, Ulaanbaatar
Public Affairs Section
paspress@usembassy.mn, 7007-6249
August 8, 2019
For Immediate Release
U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper paid an official visit to Mongolia on August 7 – 8, 2019. His visit to Mongolia was part of his first international trip since being sworn in as the Secretary of Defense on July 23, 2019.
During his visit to Mongolia, the Honorable Mark T. Esper and the Ambassador of the United States to Mongolia Michael S. Klecheski met with His Excellency Khaltmaagiin Battulga, President of Mongolia and His Excellency Enkhbold Nyamaa, Minister of Defense. Secretary Esper is visiting Mongolia to reaffirm America’s enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Secretary Esper’s visit to Mongolia during his first international trip is an indication of the strength of the U.S. – Mongolian relationship, founded on our shared democratic values and interests in regional peace and stability.
Secretary Esper is a 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy and retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 after spending ten years on active duty and 11 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a doctorate in Public Policy from George Washington University. Dr. Esper is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Among his many military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
The Honorable Mark T. Esper was sworn in as the 27th Secretary of Defense on July 23, 2019. He had previously served as the Acting Secretary of Defense and as the Secretary of the Army.
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