During his recent visit to New York, D. Tsogtbaatar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, spoke to members of The Korea Society at a breakfast meeting. He reaffirmed Mongolia’s commitment to stay nuclear free and to pose no danger to anyone. This is Mongolia’s highest contribution to its region and it could be an example to North Korea when that State decides to attempt change. Mongolia feels it can smooth the way to the six-party talks. 

As Mongolia embraced democracy, North Korea closed its embassy in 1999, citing economic conditions as the reason. Mongolia feels North Korea is isolated by its own choice, but also believes that other countries cannot allow it to remain so.

Tsogtbaatar does not think that the North Koreans are totally irrational. He also does not believe that sanctions will work – they only punish the people who then clam up and there is no progress. Mongolia also feels issues related to nuclear weapons could not be resolved by signing agreements as if one could take legal action against any later breach.