The French Ambassador, Jean
Paul Dumon, recently received from
President Ts.Elbegdorj the Nairamdal medal in recognition of his
contribution
to the
development of bilateral relations. He answered some questions from media on the
occasion.

How
did France and Mongolia reach the
stage of establishing diplomatic relations 45 years ago?

A detailed answer can come only from
historians. I shall just mention that Mongolia had been admitted to
the UN, that General
De gaulle was the French President determined that France would have an independent
international policy. Recognizing Mongolia was an expression of that independence, in the
context of the cold war that divided the world into two blocs. This is something
akin to Mongolia’s present “third neighbour” policy.

How far have bilateral relations grown in these 45 years?

Relations were uneventful in the first 25 years, focusing on cultural
matters. They are vastly expanded now, covering the whole
spectrum, including political, economic and defense cooperation. Mongolia is an
exemplary democracy, sharing with us human rights values. It is also a
trustworthy partner. Our soldiers are serving together in peace-keeping forces
around the world, our diplomats are consulting each other,
and France is happy and honored to be a “third neighbor” of Mongolia.
We have many cooperation agreements, in several areas, such as
culture, justice, economy, tourism, and bilateral relations are substantial
at every level.

How do you see the coming
years?

International relations are marked by perpetual movement. Our recent consultations were a success,
and we have decided
to hold them every year. The current state of bilateral relations is excellent,
but we cannot be complacent.

What
were your
first impressions when
you first arrivedin
Ulaanbaatar?

It was at the beginning of February, 1971 that I arrived by train from
Peking. We had filled the compartment with provisions. It was my first experience of a dry -15°. The falling snow was a counterpoint
to the radio
program heard through
loudspeakers at the
railway station. It was the
same
at Ulanbaatar Hotel, the same propaganda could be
heard in the
lobby, and in the room. There could
be no switching off, the only way to stop it was to unplug it. That was the first impression as I recall
those days. However, this
did not prevent me from liking Mongolia, for I knew I must make a difference
between a regime and the people. That is
why I chose to come back after so many years.

How well do the French know of Mongolia or
Mongolians?

Our relationship dates from 1254 when the French
king sent an ambassador to Kharkhoryn. Many in France know about Mongolia’s glorious
history, and Mongolian studies have always been popular. We have frequent TV programs
on the
Mongolian landscape and the nomadic way of life. The French are among
the most important groups of tourists coming to Mongolia.

Is there any
similarity
between Mongolians
and the French
people?

We share the aame epicurean tastes, for life,
food, arts, love.

What
can you learn from Mongolians?

Their respect for nature and the speed
with which could
integrate themselves in the democratic and globalized world.

What
qualifications are needed
to get admission into a French University?

They have to finish something that corresponds to the French
baccalauréat. They have to choose a course and
pick 3 universities and then take a French examination. The Embassy forwards all
details to the 3 universities,
which make the final decision.