The first official visit of a German chancellor to Mongolia began at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, when Angela Merkel touched down at Chinggis Khaan Airport. Merkel is visiting Mongolia at the invitation of Prime Minister S.Batbold.

Batbold officially welcomed Merkel in a ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square at 9 a.m. on Thursday, complete with a state honor guard on horseback.
Merkel paid her respects to the statue of Chinggis Khaan that overlooks the square and signed a book containing the names of honored guests in the columned hall of the Government House.

Negotiations between Mongolia and Germany took place afterwards, with Batbold, Foreign Affairs Minister G.Zandanshatar, Defense Minister L.Bold, Mineral Resource and Energy Minister D.Zorigt, and MP D.Terbishdagva taking part. The negotiations behind closed doors lasted until 10:20 a.m.

Merkel is also meeting with President Ts.Elbegdorj and Speaker D.Demberel, and is giving a speech before a special session of Parliament.

Negotiators for the two sides are discussing ways to increase cooperation, especially in the areas of investment and mineral resources, but also in the culture, education, health, and defense sectors.