3,466.79
Prime Minister S.Batbold’sofficial visit to Russia begins today. It is expected to reach some significant
decisions, over which detailed negotiations have been held. These include a
review of joint ventures like the Erdenet factory and Mongolrostsetmet. The
future of the Asgat silver deposit mine, under Mongolrostsetmet ownership, and
taken to be held in pledge against Mongolia’s debt to Russia, would also be
considered. The meeting of the managing council of the Erdenet factory will be
held in Moscow during the visit.
Among other agreements Batbold will sign are one on Mongolia’s monetary
liabilities, another on establishing the Dornod-Uran joint venture, one on
mutual defense and allied military cooperation and the 2012 plan of regional
and border cooperation.
The two sides will also discuss cooperation in trade, economics, infrastructure
and investment. Bilateral trade turnover reached USD907 million in the first
half of 2010.
Observers are keenly watching the terms finally agreed on when setting up the
joint uranium venture. Will it be a rehash of the old agreement or will there
be new provisions to reflect changing times?
