Parliament Speaker D.Demberel has been on a visit to the Republic of Korea since February 22 on an invitation by the National Assembly (NA) there. He began by visiting Incheon”s free economic zone, and then met with Lee Ben Soo, a member of NA and head of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Sea Affairs, to share views on bilateral relationship in infrastructure, energy and mineral resources sectors.

On the second day Demberel held meetings with Kim Hyong-O, NA Speaker. Kim Hyong-O stressed the importance of the visit by noting that directors of standing committees were present even though it was a very busy time for the Korean Parliament.

Demberel referred to the ever improving bilateral relations and said Mongolia’s development depended on proper exploitation of its mineral reserves. He invited Korean participation in this as a third neighbor country. Mongolia is studying the proposal made by the Korean consortium led by South Korea’s Mineral Corporation to cooperate in developing the Tavantolgoi coal mine. 

Referring to Mongolians living and working in South Korea, Demberel said the introduction of 90-day visas has led to a fall in the number of visa violations and illegal overstays. He favored Mongolian citizens granted visa-free entry to be allowed to spend 90 days in South Korea. He also wanted a one-time visa for Mongolians living illegally in South Korea to mark the 20^th anniversary of Mongolia-South Korea relations as well as issuing professional certificates in the working sector.

D.Demberel presented the Korean Speaker with the North Star award for his contribution to bilateral cooperation.