Mongolia was under Manchu rule since 1691. In 1911, Mongolia declared independence after the Manchu Qing dynasty fell. In 1928, the Mongolian People’s Republic was established, and Mongolia aligned with the Soviet Union. Mongolia remained close to the Soviet Union and relations between Mongolia and the United States were slow to develop during the Cold War. It was not until January 27, 1987 that the United States recognized the People’s Republic of Mongolia.
On April 17, 1988, the American Embassy opened in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The Mongolian Democratic Revolution in January 1990 and the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union led to a transition to democracy and a market economy. In 1992, Mongolia adopted a new constitution and dissolved the Mongolian People’s Republic. Since Mongolia embraced democracy, the United States been proud to be an important “third neighbor” and has expanded economic, political, cultural, and educational ties. Both countries are members of the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, NATO, the ASEAN Regional Forum among others, further demonstrating their shared interests.
The United States and Mongolia share a strong friendship and commitment to promote and protect human rights, democracy, good governance, sovereignty, peace, and prosperity.