On July 29-30, the U.S. Department of State’s Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Chinese and Mongolian Affairs and Taiwan Coordination, Susan A. Thornton, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for East Asia, Abraham Denmark, attended the Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of Democratic Elections in Mongolia. DAS Thornton and DASD Denmark participated in a series of events coordinated by the Mongolian government, which included the opening ceremonies, a lunch hosted by Speaker of Parliament Enkhbold, and a dinner hosted by President Elbegdorj.
DAS Thornton congratulated the Mongolian people on their democratic transition and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and Mongolia. In her remarks at the International Commemorative Conference Dedicated to the 25th Anniversary, she noted, “Mongolia’s decision for democracy reflects the courage and determination of a nation of rugged individualists who want a say in how things are run. Thanks to Mongolia’s decision to hold elections 25 years ago, three million Mongolians now have the chance to shape their government to help them realize their dreams and their goals.” During her visit, DAS Thornton also discussed ongoing legal and business reforms with senior Mongolian government officials, met with a wide range of civil society and business community representatives, and visited a family in Ulaanbaatar’s ger district. This was DAS Thornton’s third visit to Mongolia.
DASD Denmark also participated in the International Commemorative Conference July 29. During this first visit to Mongolia, he also met with Vice Minister of Defense A. Battur and Chief of the General Staff, Major General D. Davaa. DASD Denmark expressed appreciation for Mongolian military support for continuing operations in Afghanistan, and praised Mongolia’s outstanding work in peacekeeping operations worldwide. DASD Denmark also acknowledged the continuing military cooperation efforts between the U.S. and Mongolia, citing Khaan Quest as a recent example.
