AGP Executive Report

Mongolia–South Korea “Golden Era”: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to Mongolia (first in 15 years) wrapped up with 21 cooperation agreements, including a CEPA-style deal aimed at cutting tariffs on Mongolian minerals and easing trade in cosmetics, trucks, and construction equipment. Naadam spotlight: Mongolia marked the end of Naadam with President Khurelsukh’s closing remarks and a stream of international greetings, while the President also presented gifts to child jockeys and top finishers across Naadam horse races. World Horse Day: Mongolia hosted World Horse Day celebrations at Khui Doloon Khudag, tying the UN-backed observance to the country’s equestrian heritage. Child jockey debate: AFP reports more than 500 child jockeys are expected at Naadam, as rights groups renew concerns about exploitation and safety risks. Business in Ulaanbaatar: Korean bakery chain Tous les Jours opened in Ulaangom, expanding its Mongolia footprint beyond Darkhan. Science win: Mongolia’s team achieved a historic result at the International Physics Olympiad, with every participant winning a medal.

Naadam & World Horse Day: Mongolia marked World Horse Day on July 11 as part of Naadam, with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa stressing the “inseparable relationship” between Mongolians and horses and opening ceremonies at Khui Doloon Khudag. Child Jockeys at Naadam: More than 500 child jockeys are set to race at this year’s Naadam, with AFP describing how kids train from a young age—while rights groups and UNICEF have raised concerns about health risks and exploitation. Presidential Naadam wrap-up: President Khurelsukh delivered the closing remarks for Naadam, a festival tied to major statehood milestones. International greetings: Leaders including the US (Trump), Russia (Putin), Japan (Emperor Naruhito), Azerbaijan (Aliyev), Pakistan (Zardari), and Cambodia’s King sent National Naadam congratulations. Mongolia-Korea momentum: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung pushed economic-security talks in Ulaanbaatar, including CEPA plans and critical minerals cooperation, while Korea Eximbank signed a $30m on-lending deal to boost Korean consumer-goods exports. Business on the ground: Tous les Jours opened in Ulaangom, expanding the Korean bakery brand deeper into Mongolia. Sports & science wins: Mongolia’s team pulled off a historic sweep at the International Physics Olympiad—every participant won a medal—and Naadam wrestling headlines included Orkhonbayar Bayarsaihan’s Dayan Avarga title.

Mongolia–South Korea “Golden Era”: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrapped up a state visit to Mongolia, the first in 15 years, attending Naadam events and talks with President Khurelsukh, Parliament Speaker Byambatsogt Sandag and PM Uchral Nyam-Osor, with both sides pledging a “golden era” and deeper cooperation on critical minerals, trade, and supply chains. Korea finance for trade: Korea Eximbank signed a $30m on-lending deal with Mongolia’s Trade and Development Bank to help importers buy Korean consumer goods, aiming to ease funding and boost bilateral commerce. Naadam in focus: Mongolia’s Naadam continued with high-profile horse races, including the Soyolon race winner “Daichin Khalzan,” and foreign visitors shared impressions of the festival’s warmth and culture. Mongolia–Vietnam ties: The President’s chief of staff met Vietnam’s counterpart, highlighting expanded presidential-office cooperation and Mongolia’s horses taking part in World Horse Day. World Horse Day spotlight: Mongolia’s World Horse Day celebrations were linked to Naadam, with international recognition of the horse’s cultural role. Regional context: China issued red alerts for flash floods and geological disasters, underscoring wider environmental pressures across the region.

Mongolia–South Korea “Golden Era” diplomacy: South Korea President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up a state visit to Mongolia after attending the NATO summit in Türkiye, with both sides hailing a new “golden era” and agreeing to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, trade, and supply chains; Mongolia’s Naadam opening also featured Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung as guests of honor. Korea Eximbank trade push: Korea Eximbank signed a $30m on-lending deal with Mongolia’s Trade and Development Bank to finance imports of Korean consumer goods, aiming to ease funding for local buyers and expand Korean exports. Naadam and international greetings: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent Naadam congratulations, while Pakistan’s Zardari and Azerbaijan’s Aliyev also issued messages to Mongolia’s leadership and people. Education links beyond borders: India’s Ministry of Education reports foreign student enrolment rose to 58,134 in 2023-24; Nepal remains the top source (24.1%), and Karnataka is the top destination for international students. Environment watch: China issued red alerts for flash floods and geological disasters, including parts of Inner Mongolia, as sand-and-dust storm impacts remain a major regional risk.

Mongolia–South Korea “Golden Era” Talks: President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up his NATO-to-Mongolia trip, pledging deeper cooperation with President Khurelsukh on trade, critical minerals, and advanced tech, with leaders declaring a “golden era” and agreeing in principle on a CEPA aimed at lifting bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030. Naadam Spotlight: Khurelsukh opened Mongolia’s Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar, with Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung attending as guests of honor—Naadam marks major statehood anniversaries and the festival’s traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Visa/Travel Updates: Japan expanded its tourist eVisa eligibility list effective 15 May 2026, with direct online applications for nationals/residents from nine countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. China Ethnic Unity Law Debate: China’s new ethnic unity and progress law took effect July 1, pushing Mandarin and “shared” identity policies—critics warn it could pressure minority freedoms. Weather Watch (Region): China issued red alerts for flash floods and geological disasters across parts of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia, urging emergency preparedness. Global Culture: World Horse Day (July 11) is marked worldwide, including in Mongolia alongside Naadam celebrations.

Naadam Spotlight: President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa opened Mongolia’s National Naadam Festival, marking major statehood anniversaries, with South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung attending as guests of honor. Diplomatic Cheers: Naadam messages poured in from King Charles III and leaders including Qatar, the UAE, and Azerbaijan, underscoring Mongolia’s growing international ties. Korea-Mongolia Deal Momentum: During Lee’s state visit, the two sides pushed a “Golden Era” agenda, including a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in principle and a package of 21 cooperation documents, from mutual driving license recognition to a second national cancer center. Trade Support: Korea Eximbank backed Mongolia with a $30m financing facility to help importers of South Korean goods. Environment Watch: The UN’s weather agency warned that sand and dust storms—linked to drought and land degradation—are increasingly harming health, agriculture, and transport, with major impacts reported across China and the southern US in 2025. Culture & Entertainment: Mongolian rock band The Hu brought their global tour to London, performing at the Mongolian Embassy ahead of their July 24 album release. Travel Note: Japan updated its 2026 eVisa eligibility list, with direct online applications for nationals/residents from countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others.

Korea-Mongolia CEPA Push: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh greenlit a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to cut tariffs and boost market access—Mongolia will gradually remove tariffs on Seoul consumer goods, while Korea will cut levies up to 5% on Mongolian minerals like copper and rare earths, with both sides targeting access for over 90% of bilateral imports. Rare Metals Committee Upgrade: Korea’s industry minister and Mongolia’s counterpart agreed to upgrade their rare metals supply-chain cooperation committee to ministerial level, with a first meeting expected in the second half of the year, plus follow-up plans to make an ODA-backed rare metals center sustainable. Summit Follow-Through: Lee urged Mongolia’s parliament and prime minister to turn summit promises into action, especially on critical minerals, trade, and defense-industry cooperation, as leaders also signed 21 documents including mutual recognition of driving licenses and a plan for a second national cancer center. Business Finance Deal: Kexim will provide Mongolia’s Trade and Development Bank with a $30m two-step loan facility to support importers of South Korean goods. Culture & Spotlight: The Hu arrived in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest and performed at the Mongolian Embassy, while “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues to draw attention after its July 4 premiere.

Korea–Mongolia “Golden Age” Push: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to Ulaanbaatar focused on critical minerals and a wider economic reset, with leaders adopting a joint declaration to expand rare earth and supply-chain cooperation and move ties into a “golden era.” CEPA Dealmaking: Seoul and Ulaanbaatar reached an agreement in principle on a Korea–Mongolia CEPA, targeting tariff cuts on key Mongolian minerals like copper, molybdenum and rare earths to stabilize supply chains. Critical Minerals + Rare Earths: Lee also met Mongolia’s PM and parliament speaker, urging follow-through on summit plans, including using Korean tech to help Mongolia process minerals. Logistics and Distribution Fixes: A new intergovernmental council will tackle bottlenecks for Korean distributors in Mongolia, including customs clearance and certification hurdles. Energy Transition Projects: POSCO International signed an energy partnership MOU with Newcom for a district heating project using heat-pump tech to recycle waste heat, aligning with Mongolia’s push to cut winter air pollution. Forestry + Desertification Cooperation: Korea Forest Service expanded forestry cooperation with Mongolia via two MOUs, including climate response and forest-positive action. State Enterprise Reform: Mongolia signed an MoU with Franklin Templeton to help overhaul state-owned enterprises and prepare them for market listings by 2027. Korean Finance for Exports: Korea Eximbank agreed to $30m on-lending financing with Mongolia’s Trade and Development Bank to support Korean consumer-goods exports. Retail Expansion: E-mart opened its first standalone “No Brand” store in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to boost SME exports. Environment Watch: The UN/WMO warned that sand and dust storms—linked to the Gobi and other deserts—hit health and transport, with 2025 seeing major events affecting parts of China and the U.S.-Mexico border.

Korea Peninsula Diplomacy: South Korea and Mongolia say they’ll strengthen cooperation to support peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with Mongolia pledging a “necessary role” to help create conditions for stalled inter-Korean dialogue and resume talks. Critical Minerals & Trade: During President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit, Seoul and Ulaanbaatar agreed in principle on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to cut tariffs on Mongolian minerals and phase out tariffs on Korean consumer goods, while pushing resilient critical-mineral supply chains and a “golden era” in ties. Energy Transition: The two countries also signed an MoU on renewable energy and energy transition, including cooperation on power infrastructure, heat-pump district heating, workforce development, and storage systems. Governance & Investment: Mongolia is moving ahead with state-owned enterprise reforms, planning to bundle SOEs under a National Investment Fund by 2027 and seek global investment partners to lift governance and readiness for market listing. Renewables Auctions: The government approved renewable energy auctions for solar and wind projects across several aimags, targeting power shortages in southern Mongolia and growing mining demand. Naadam Spotlight: Wrestlers are training for Naadam with a “World Cup” twist in their camp routines, while horseback archery is set for World Horse Day celebrations on July 13.

Korea-Mongolia Summit: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Ulaanbaatar for a three-day state visit, the first in 15 years, and met President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to adopt a joint declaration launching a “golden era” of ties, with a target of $1 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 under CEPA. Critical Minerals & Peace Talks: Lee urged deeper cooperation across the full critical-mineral supply chain and said Mongolia can help revive dialogue on the Korean Peninsula, while both sides discussed phased denuclearization and regional stability. Energy Transition: Seoul and Ulaanbaatar signed an MoU on renewable energy and energy-transition cooperation, including heat-pump district heating and workforce development, alongside plans for forums with industry. State-Owned Enterprise Reform: Mongolia launched SOE governance reforms aligned with international standards, including an MoU with Franklin Templeton and a plan to bundle SOEs under a National Investment Fund by 2027. Renewables Auctions: The government approved renewable projects for private-sector auctions across several aimags, aiming to ease southern power shortages and support mining demand. World Horse Day: Mongolia will host major World Horse Day events, including a horseback archery competition on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag. Desertification Warning: Scientists warn the Gobi’s fragile soils and declining groundwater are accelerating desertification, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods. Greenbelt Progress: Mongolia and South Korea’s forestry cooperation “Greenbelt” project is set to continue, building on earlier afforestation, nurseries, and training efforts. Business Milestone: CU, a Korean convenience store chain, surpassed 600 stores in Mongolia, highlighting its “Green Station” model with solar and EV charging.

South Korea–Mongolia Diplomacy: President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Ulaanbaatar for a three-day state visit, the first by a South Korean leader in 15 years, with summit talks expected to set out a “golden era” for ties and focus on supply-chain cooperation for rare earths and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. World Horse Day Build-up: Mongolia inaugurated the “Narnii Khuleg” steed monument complex at Khui Doloon Khudag as the official World Horse Day symbol, with July 13 events including an international horse race and the “Grand Cavalcade of Ten Thousand Horsemen.” UNCCD COP17 Prep: Mongolian officials briefed diplomats on preparations for UNCCD COP17, urging stronger promotion and coordination as the conference approaches in about 40 days. Sports in the Capital: Mongolia will host WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 (July 14–23) at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex, with 300+ athletes from 30+ countries chasing world ranking points. Regional Security Training: At Khaan Quest 26, a U.S. Army couple trained partners on counter-UAS operations, highlighting ongoing Mongolia-based multinational defense cooperation.

World Horse Day in Mongolia: The “Narnii Khuleg” (Steed of the Sun) monument complex was inaugurated at Khui Doloon Khudag as the official symbol for World Horse Day, with July 13 set for an international horse race and the “Grand Cavalcade of Ten Thousand Horsemen,” and every cavalcade participant to receive a Presidential Certificate of Honor. Diplomacy & hosting big talks: Mongolia is briefing missions abroad on preparations for UNCCD COP17, while a working group begins recommendations for Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee membership and discusses the “Funeral Sites of the Xiongnu Elite” nomination. Government’s 100 days: Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor and cabinet members presented results from the first 100 days, highlighting progress on Oyu Tolgoi negotiations and new mining and jobs steps. Sports on home soil: Mongolia will host WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex from July 14–23, with 300+ athletes from 30+ countries. Mongolia–India ties: Mongolia’s ambassador to India presented credentials to President Droupadi Murmu, reaffirming the strategic partnership and noting the oil refinery project. Regional context: The World Bank kept China’s 2026 growth forecast at 4.4%, citing resilient high-tech investment and exports.

Mongolia’s Energy Security Push: India is backing Mongolia’s first oil refinery with a reported $1.2B+ project, aimed at cutting Ulaanbaatar’s heavy dependence on refined fuel imports from Russia and China. World Horse Day in Mongolia: Mongolia’s “World Horse Day” runs July 10–13 alongside Naadam, with major events on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, including international races, a 10,000-horsemen parade, mounted archery, and cultural performances. Aviation Milestone: MIAT marks its 70th anniversary with a new “MIAT 70” postage stamp issued in partnership with Mongol Post. Youth & Culture: Basketball is booming in Ulaanbaatar, with more youth training, new sports complexes, and growing club programs. Tech for Farmers: A laser weed-cutting robot in China is nearing mass production, promising less reliance on chemical herbicides. Regional Security Watch: Reports say China has built new multiple missile launch systems near Jilantai, raising concerns about rapid strike capabilities. Global Context: The World Bank says China’s growth is resilient, projecting 4.4% for 2026 supported by high-tech investment and exports.

World Bank Watch: The World Bank kept its forecast for China’s 2026 growth at 4.4%, saying the economy is still resilient thanks to high-tech investment, exports, and buffers against energy shocks. Energy Security for Mongolia: India is backing Mongolia’s first oil refinery with a reported $1.2 billion push, framed as a way to cut Ulaanbaatar’s heavy dependence on refined fuel imports. World Horse Day in Mongolia: Mongolia’s “World Horse Day” runs July 10–13 alongside Naadam, with the main program on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, featuring international events, horse racing, a 10,000-horsemen parade, and mounted archery. Aviation Milestone: MIAT marks its 70th anniversary with a new “MIAT 70” postage stamp launch. Diplomacy Updates: Mongolia’s ambassadors presented credentials to Vietnam and Italy, as Mongolia continues expanding ties. Defense Cooperation: China transferred military equipment to Mongolia’s defense ministry, including passenger buses, as part of the deepening strategic partnership. Regional Trade: The Eurasian Economic Commission discussed Mongolia-EAEU trade steps ahead of the temporary trade agreement taking effect July 22. Sports: Mongolia’s boxer Amgalanbaatar Bulgankhuu lost in the U-23 Asian Boxing Championships as India posted dominant wins.

Fuel Watch: Mongolia says it is not facing a fuel shortage ahead of Naadam. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources says prices for AI-92 and diesel will stay stable during the festival, with diesel imports being fulfilled from South Korea and additional supply arrangements in progress with PetroChina and China Oil. Naadam & Family Law: Parliament has approved major revisions to Mongolia’s Family Law and Family Court procedures after 27 years, putting the child’s best interests at the center and updating support, divorce rules, and assisted reproduction protections. Energy Push: Prime Minister N.Uchral inspected the Baganuur coal-pyrolysis plant, aiming to produce refined “blue coal” next fall and cut reliance on imported fuel. World Horse Day: Mongolia will host the first international World Horse Day festival on July 10–13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, with UNESCO backing and events planned across equestrian sports and culture. Diplomacy: Mongolia’s FM Battsetseg Batmunkh held talks with Guatemala’s FM Carlos Ramiro Martínez during a visit marking 20 years of ties. China Defense Links: China transferred military grant equipment to Mongolia’s Defense Ministry, including passenger buses, under the bilateral strategic partnership.

Mongolia’s Family Law Overhaul: Parliament has approved sweeping revisions to the Law on Family and the Law on Family Court Proceedings for the first time in 27 years, aiming to strengthen child rights and modernize rules on support, divorce, property, and even assisted reproduction, with full effect targeted for November 2025. Naadam & World Horse Day Build-Up: With Naadam days approaching, Mongolia is preparing major cultural programming and a national wrestling registration drive, while July 10–13 marks the inaugural international World Horse Day at Khui Doloon Khudag, backed by UNESCO, featuring heritage, equestrian sport, and a new museum exhibition “Mongolian Naadam: The Precious Horse.” Energy Push in Baganuur: Prime Minister N.Uchral inspected construction of a new coal-pyrolysis plant in Baganuur, part of a plan to cut reliance on imported fuel; the first phase is expected to produce “blue coal” by next fall. New Geopark Opens: Mongolia’s first national geopark, “Khanbogd–Shar Tsav,” opened in Khanbogd, with UNESCO-linked plans and local memorandums for joint protection and management. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Mongolia’s foreign ministry chairwoman attended the geopark opening, while Mongolia also held talks with Guatemala’s foreign minister, and China delivered military grant equipment to Mongolia’s defense ministry. Travel & Sports: Canada and Mongolia expanded their air transport deal for more direct connectivity, and Ulaanbaatar will host WTT table tennis events with ranking points at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Palace.