On July 9, President Tsakhia Elbegdorj received U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Government House in Ulaanbaatar.

During their productive meeting prior to Secretary Clinton”s prepared remarks
to an international conference, President Elbegdorj stressed his belief that
mutually beneficial economic opportunities will play a significant role in
continuing to elevate the relationship between the United States and Mongolia.

During the meeting, President Elbegdorj stated to Secretary
Clinton: “Our economy has been rapidly growing. This growth creates wonderful
opportunities for us to further consolidate democracy, ensure human rights,
invest in infrastructure and other sectors and expand our international
relations.

“We are working to ensure that the people of Mongolia benefit from mining
and that our growth is inclusive. To establish justice, we are fighting against
corruption and reforming our judiciary. Because our country is open and our
people free, we are confident that we will succeed in overcoming the challenges
and further strengthen democracy.”

The President expressed his interest in advancing discussions on a bilateral
transparency agreement, and commended Secretary Clinton for her extraordinary
work to elevate the role of women in Mongolia and around the world.

Secretary Clinton – who was in Mongolia to participate in the International
Forum on Women”s Issues – was joined by Jonathan Addleton, U.S. Ambassador to
Mongolia; Kurt Campbell, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for East Asian and
Pacific Affairs; and Daniel Russell, Senior Director for Asia of the U.S.
National Security Council.

President Elbegdorj was accompanied in the meeting by Mr. G. Zandanshatar,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Kh. Bekhbat, Mongolia”s Ambassador to
the United States; Ms. M. Batchimeg, Member of Parliament; Mr. P. Tsagaan,
Chief Advisor to the President; Mr. G. Purevsuren, Foreign Policy Advisor to
the President; and Mr. S. Badral, Ambassador-at-Large to the Community of
Democracies.

Secretary Clinton shared with President Elbegdorj the U.S. Government”s
appreciation for the manner in which Mongolia”s recent Parliamentary elections
reflected a commitment to transparent and democratic processes, and to the rule
of law. Secretary Clinton additionally noted that United States looks forward
to continued progress in Mongolia on human rights, anti-corruption efforts and
transparency.

Secretary Clinton stated to President Elbegdorj:
“It is a goal of democratic countries to ensure human rights and freedom,
enforce laws and ensure transparency. I value Mongolia”s steps toward
successfully implementing these goals.

“I believe in Mongolia”s bright future. I found this belief 17 years ago
when I first visited Mongolia. Your country is enjoying success within a short
period of time because your people have always aspired to freedom and justice,
and because your people are strong. I wish to reiterate our readiness to help
you in your efforts to strengthen democracy.”
President Elbegdorj and Secretary Clinton agreed that the women play an
important role in strengthening democracy, ensuring transparency and
establishing justice.
At the conclusion of her remarks to the International Women”s Leadership Forum,
Secretary Clinton said:

“There could not be a better place, Mr. President, to talk about the
necessity of our working together to ensure that more nations in Asia look like
Mongolia, provide opportunities to their people as you are working to do here,
hold up women and their rights and opportunities as part of the national
treasure of their country. So yes, let them come to Mongolia. They will not be
disappointed.”

Source: www.president.mn