President Ts.Elbegdorj received Japanese Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa, who is visiting Mongolia, on Wednesday.

Yasuo Ichikawa said he was pleased to be “the first guest from Japan to Mongolia on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations” between the two countries.
On behalf of the Japanese people he thanked Mongolians for helping Japan recover from recent natural disasters.

The defense minister also noted the joint statement on a strategic partnership, signed during the Mongolian president’s official visit to Japan in 2010, and said the defense ministries of the two countries have concluded a memorandum of cooperation. He said these agreements present big opportunities for both sides to enhance cooperation in all sectors.

The president said he was pleased with the defense minister’s visit and emphasized the importance of the anniversary of diplomatic relations. He also spoke highly of the present level of relations and cooperation.

The dignitaries shared views on collaboration in the defense sector, including the possibility of cooperating in transforming Mongolia’s Tavantolgoi military exercise center into an international peacekeeping center, and training Mongolian officers in Japan’s military academies.

Then the two sides discussed international and regional issues of mutual interest.