Mark Esper, Trump’s new defence secretary, is scheduled to visit Mongolia next week as part of a trip to Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The trip is scheduled to start on 2 August from Australia followed by New Zealand, Mongolia, South Korea and Japan.

The Pentagon chief is planning to sign deals with countries of Asia-Pacific region on trade and security as well discuss the complex relations with North Korea and Iran.

Previously, Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton travelled to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, in late June for meetings with President Kh.Battulga, the prime minister and other leading government officials.