Mongolia and the small African nation of Malawi established formal diplomatic relations at a ceremony at Mongolia’s mission to the United Nations in New York in Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by Mongolia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Enkhtsetseg Ochir, and her counterpart from Malawi, Brian Bowler.

The two countries have agreed to promote bilateral dialogue through their diplomatic missions to the United Nations and other diplomatic channels.

There are some similarities between Mongolia and Malawi, and the two believe the establishment of diplomatic relations corresponds with the national interests of both countries and will further strengthen international peace and security.
Like Mongolia, Malawi is landlocked. And both countries ended one-party rule in the early 1990s.

With the new diplomatic relations in place, Malawi hopes to export tea and sugar to Mongolia.