Minister of National Defense, Peter MacKay met with his Mongolian counterpart, Minister of Defense Dashdemberel Bat-Erdene, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding that solidifies plans for continued defense cooperation and exchanges between the two nations on Friday May 31st.

“Canada and Mongolia share values of democracy as well as a mutual interest in expanding trade,” said Minister MacKay. “The Government of Canada is committed to broadening our defense relationship with Mongolia.”

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out further opportunities for defense cooperation between Canada and Mongolia through activities such as information exchanges, visits by civilian and military personnel, military education and training, and international peacekeeping activities including humanitarian assistance.

Canada and Mongolia have a history of cooperation on defense and security issues.  Mongolia has been a member of the Military Training and Cooperation Program since 2005. Canada has also been a participant in the joint Mongolia – U.S. hosted annual multi-national peacekeeping exercise, KHAAN QUEST.

Minister MacKay and Minister Bat-Erdene met in Singapore during the 12th annual International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Asia Security Summit.