Defense Minister L.Bold told our correspondent that Mongolia’s military has strengthened its ties with foreign nations in recent years. He also said arms, technology, and equipment worth USD 100 million have been imported from Russia under an intergovernmental contract signed in 2008. The ministry is also cooperating with the United States, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey.

The Minister said that altogether 5,671 military personnel have taken part in international peacekeeping operations so far, and the reputation of the Mongolian Armed Forces has grown. Mongolian troops have served in Iraq, Sierra Leone, Chad, Sudan, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. And the Government recently decided to send an entire battalion or 850 personnel to eastern Sudan, site of an ongoing civil war.

L.Bold visited Mongolian troops in Afghanistan, flying in a military helicopter and wearing body armor. He told the troops he appreciated their courage and mental strength in a hard situation.