European Union

UB, 16th March 2011 – Newly-appointed European Union Ambassador to Mongolia Mr. Markus Ederer formally delivered his credentials to President Elbegdorj in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace today.

Mr. Ederer, who is from Germany and was previously the Head of Policy Planning at the German Foreign Service, takes up his role in Mongolia with the intention of further deepening EU-Mongolia political and trade relations.

Late last year both sides concluded negotiations for the Partnership & Cooperation Agreement (PCA) that will likely be signed later this year in Brussels. The PCA will open new possibilities to expand and deepen cooperation particularly with respect to the introduction and implementation of European common principles, norms and standards. In this respect, the EU has increased aid to Mongolia by 40% in recent years. Work has already begun on identifying projects worth €15 million providing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and supporting good governance, democracy, human rights and institutional reforms at all levels.

In his meeting with President Elbegdorj, the EU Ambassador said: "Both the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, are committed to continue building a strong, constructive and collaborative relation with Mongolia."

With further deepening of political and economic cooperation, strengthening of trade and investment and promotion of people-to-people contact, Mongolia's request for opening of an EU Delegation in Ulaanbaatar is an option which all sides should pursue.

Now that negotiations on Mongolia's market economy status are entering the final stage and the EU is confident that a successful outcome is within reach, EU Member States who have been through the transition from a central command economy are keen to share their lessons and experiences.

Developing trade and economic cooperation with Mongolia is in the interest of both sides. The inclusion of Mongolia in the EU GSP+ (Generalized System of Preferences) scheme permits duty free access to 7,200 products for the benefit of trade and industry in Mongolia.

The EU has noted Mongolia's quest for a third neighbor. In many respects, being the 3rd largest trading partner of Mongolia while sharing also common values and principles, the EU sees itself as the “third neighbour” and is ready to fully achieve this objective.

For more on EU-Mongolia relations, please visit: www.delmng.ec.europa.eu