Speaker D.Demberel yesterday received delegates of Irkutsk province of Russia headed by Chief of Legislative Assembly L.M. Berlina, who are here at the invitation of the Mongolia-Russia Parliamentary Group. Chief of the Standing Committee on the Economy D.Zorigt, MPs D.Arvin and D.Baldan-Ochir, Advisor to the Speaker S.Banzragch and other officials attended the meeting.

Demberel noted that Irkutsk province has a special position in the traditional relations between the two countries and recalled how many Mongolians had done their higher education studies in Irkutsk. He hoped the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Russia would be celebrated with due dignity and splendor.
He also underlined the significance of the Baikal Forum and appreciated the decision of the Chairman of State Duma, S.M.Mironov, to visit Mongolia before this year’s Forum. Demberel hoped the visit of the Irkutsk team would help take cooperation beyond the traditional areas of agriculture, culture, education and tourism and would strengthen ties between the legislatures.

Ms. Berlina thanked him for his kind words and said Irkutsk province has always been a good friend and reliable partner of Mongolia. The present year is special, she said, as it is the 85th anniversary of the first Mongolian students training at Irkutsk Economic Academy and the 40th anniversary of establishment of a Mongolian Consulate in Irkutsk. Irkutsk will reopen its Mission here in May.