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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

[MMC defaults on loans; CNNC awaits uranium response; MNT renews low; TESO opens office in China; and GoM transfers duties to NGOs]

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

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Headlines in Italic are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original

 

ASEM 11

Digital Diplomacy Tied to ASEM

By Julian Dierkes

March 21 (Mongolia Focus) Some weeks ago I wrote about the potential for a Mongolian digital diplomacy. That post generated a lot of interest (over 500 readers in less than 2 months). The tweet about this post was my most-viewed tweet ever (over 21,000 impressions), in part because it received over 130 re-tweets, including by many Mongolian embassies and consulates. The popularity of this tweet may have been in part due to the fabulous graphic that came with it, but hopefully also suggests that I struck a chord among social media savvy Mongolians and a desire for more strategic activities by their government.

It seems like officials at the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were thinking along similar lines.

ASEM as a Digital Diplomacy Opportunity

In my January post, I had pointed to themes that seemed like candidates for building blocks of a Mongolian digital diplomacy:

·         democratization;

·         impact of climate change;

·         resources and experiences with global investment from vantage point of developing country/resource economy;

·         Northeast Asia, including Ulaanbaatar Forum

·         Mongolian leadership

o    ASEM 2016 (Twitter account exists, but very much in broadcast mode, not engagement)

o    UN Security Council candidacy for 2022: making a case for presentation of land-locked developing countries, democratized countries, small countries, etc.

I had already received some responses to that post from the ASEM organizing office over the past several weeks, but they reminded me of their efforts recently, prompting me to take another look at their website, asem11.mn. And what a good example of strategic digital diplomacy engagement this has become!

ASEM is the Asia Europe Meeting which Mongolia will host this July. It is the biggest formal summit between European and Asian countries and will meet for the 11th time in Mongolia. While ASEM doesn't have any legislative or regulatory ambitions, it is a significant foreign policy event and of great significance to Mongolia in fitting with its foreign policy. At the same time, the Meeting will be fairly disruptive to many Mongolians living in Ulaanbaatar, so an outreach strategy to Mongolians and abroad seems especially useful.

The post on "4 Things We Can Expect from Mongolia Hosting ASEM" (Mongolian) illustrates this nicely.

First, I would note that this is very much a blog post in its style. Blogs have generally been underused as digital diplomacy tools (my sense), but this is a nice example. It is somewhat informal (though not casual) in the approach it takes, even going for a moderate version of a "listicle" with its "4 Things" title and organization of the post into four main messages.

Secondly, the post responds to popular concerns that have been voiced on social media in Mongolia, i.e. why is scarce state funding to hosting a large-scale summit. These concerns have been echoed by PM Saikhanbileg who recently urged austerity, at least when it comes to furnishings for the ASEM press centre.

Thirdly, the post addresses some of the fundamental precepts of Mongolian foreign policy in an approachable fashion, for example the notion that visibility is desirable, or that trade agreements are an element in Mongolia's international strategy and how both of these goals might be supported by hosting ASEM.

I'm a little less sure that ASEM is likely to generate in-bound FDI, I rather suspect that any new wave of FDI will come only with a sharp increase in commodity prices over coming years, but the post makes a plausible case for this as well.

Other posts at the ASEM website follow in this vein. The Chef's Skills Challenge post demonstrates lighter side that nevertheless might be very important in shaping visitors' impression of Mongolia. It also makes the event somewhat more approachable to Mongolians, but possibly to some of the civil society visitors.

The ASEM website thus builds nicely on the greater visibility of the MFA and of the ASEM in particular via social media.

Transparency, but Where to Next?

Overall, I'm thus quite impressed with some of the steps the ASEM website has taken. What it does not to (and many other MFA's including Canada's Global Affairs don't either) is open itself to substantive engagement that might have an impact on policy as it is being formulated.

There are no comments to this site and I don't see any pages that actually open up policy for discussion.

Notably there also isn't very much discussion/information on the substantive aims for ASEM. Are there specific issues between Asia and Europe to be addressed? What might these be? What role would Mongolia play in addressing these issues, etc.

But perhaps that will be a step for future summits or foreign policy initiatives.

Link to post

 

Int'l Market

Announcement made pre-market open. MMC live quote

MMC Announces Default on BNP/ICBC Loan and $600m Bonds

March 23 -- This announcement (the "Announcement") is made by Mongolian Mining Corporation (the "Company") pursuant to Rule 13.09(2) and Rule 13.19 of the Rules Governing the Listing of the Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Long Limited (the "Listing Rules") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

As at the date of the Announcement, the Company had neither made the Payment to the Lenders nor been able to secure any waiver or forbearance from the Lenders in this regard. As such, an event of default under the BNP/ICBC Facilities Agreement has taken place, which also constitutes an event of default under certain of the Company's other indebtedness that contain cross-default provisions, including the US$600,000,000 8.875% senior notes due 2017 issued by the Company (the "Notes").

The Company has proposed to enter forbearance agreements with both the Lenders and the Steering Committee of the holders of the Notes (the "Steering Committee"). The Company is in discussion with and intends to continue dialogue with the Lenders and the Steering Committee and their respective advisers.

As at the date of the Announcement, the Company has not received any notice from any of the Lenders demanding immediate repayment of any outstanding amount under the BNP/ICBC Facilities Agreement  or any holder of the Notes or any other creditors.

The Company will make disclosure pursuant to Rule 13.21 of the  Listing  Rules  and  publish further announcements to update the shareholders and potential investors the progress as and when necessary.

THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT ANY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LENDERS AND HOLDERS OF THE NOTES WILL LEAD TO ANY FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY. ACCORDINGLY, THE COMPANY OFFERS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LENDERS AND HOLDERS OF THE NOTES WILL BE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED. SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY, HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY AND POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN THE SECURITIES OF  THE  COMPANY  ARE  ADVISED  TO  EXERCISE  EXTREME  CAUTION  WHEN DEALING IN THE SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY.

Link to release

 

CNNC Int'l: 2015 Final Results

March 22, CNNC Int'l Ltd. (HKEx:2302) --

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Market Overview

During the Year, the Group had negotiations with the representatives of the Mongolian Government in relation to the formation of a joint venture company for the operation of the uranium mine in Mongolia ("Mongolian Project"). The Group is still waiting for feedback from the Mongolian Government. All exploration works of the Mongolian Project had been completed. Progress has also been made with respect to the environment impact report which is still subject to approval of the Mongolian Government.

Business Review

Other income, gains and losses of approximately HK$4,792,000 (2014: approximately HK$5,954,000) were mainly from interest income, commission income and compensation from a litigation received by a subsidiary company in Mongolia. (Mogi: what litigation?)

Future Strategies

For the Mongolian Project, the Group will continue to negotiate on the formation of the joint venture company with the Mongolian Government and complete all the procedures for the application of mining license. The Group will ensure the costs on the project are under tight control.

Link to full report

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Local Market

Mogi: no March 22 trading report in English

 

MIK Holdings Announces Shareholders Meeting on 4 April to Approve 2015 Results, Dividend

March 22 -- According to the Resolution No.: 16/24 of BoD of "Mik Holding" JSC, the shareholders meeting will be held on 4 April 2016 at 10am.

1.    The following issues will be discussed at the shareholders meeting of "Mik Holding" JSC:

2.    Operation and financial statement of 2015

3.    BoD's resultion of company's dividends

4.    Make amendments on company's charter

5.    Approve expense budget for BoD in 2016

All shareholders please review related documents of the shareholders meeting period between the 26 March, 2016 and 26 April 2016. Working hour of meeting commission is 9:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00.

Contacts of head and members of the meeting commission

Link to release

 

Maturity Notice: 10 Billion 28-Week 13.971% Discounted T-Bills

March 22 -- Dear investors, please be advised that the following government bond is about to mature.

Symbol of Government Securities

Amount /units/

Maturity /week/

Form of Interest payment

Interest rate (percent)

Issued Date

Maturity Date

 ZGEB-BL-22/03/16-A0053-0

100,000

28

Discounted

13.971%

2015.09.08

2016.03.22

Link to release

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Economy

Historic low 2,048.62/USD set March 22, 2016. Reds are rates that set a new low at the time

BoM MNT Rates: Tuesday, March 22 Close

3/22

3/21

3/18

3/17

3/16

3/15

3/14

3/11

3/10

3/9

3/7

3/4

3/3

3/2

3/1

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/611b76b6-2b0b-4a23-a444-02f9cb3dd75f.png

USD

2,048.62

2,048.21

2,047.66

2,046.21

2,041.62

2,044.82

2,046.52

2,047.92

2,048.18

2,047.00

2,045.88

2,042.34

2,040.97

2,037.59

2,034.64

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d90344bf-7731-47f3-bffe-93a4596232a2.png

EUR

2,303.16

2,304.75

2,310.37

2,303.11

2,263.65

2,273.23

2,275.22

2,282.41

2,245.62

2,244.13

2,244.13

2,235.85

2,218.13

2,215.06

2,212.26

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/db4fa868-a5a2-4a14-9cd9-ef3b0081caa7.png

JPY

18.34

18.38

18.39

18.31

17.97

18.09

17.99

18.01

18.04

18.20

17.99

17.93

17.88

17.83

18.02

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/663d9297-6b7b-421b-a2c7-022882ec5691.png

GBP

2,938.85

2,946.45

2,959.38

2,916.87

2,878.99

2,916.22

2,937.47

2,921.87

2,906.16

2,904.28

2,901.16

2,892.77

2,877.05

2,844.07

2,838.83

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a772b2ab-9007-499a-9c78-69d8ac652d26.png

RUB

30.26

29.79

29.90

29.80

28.73

28.95

29.27

29.14

28.82

28.24

28.33

27.85

27.55

27.61

27.47

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ceaa3227-2aea-4575-9f0f-9374539b6e52.png

CNY

315.75

315.81

316.50

314.98

313.08

314.16

315.10

315.31

314.34

314.17

314.03

313.08

311.90

311.01

310.92

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9366ea6f-cdc8-4c79-87a2-c6de37f4f2db.png

KRW

1.77

1.76

1.76

1.75

1.71

1.72

1.72

1.72

1.70

1.69

1.70

1.69

1.68

1.66

1.65

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/020a3b13-d459-4bf3-b596-f93ff6442059.png

SGD

1,505.51

1,505.65

1,509.13

1,501.09

1,477.51

1,483.04

1,487.46

1,488.85

1,483.01

1,478.03

1,480.70

1,476.43

1,464.69

1,452.62

1,452.17

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e78a2df0-8efa-4dfa-adb2-9cf7540dfc08.png

CAD

1,565.92

1,565.73

1,573.91

1,568.46

1,526.05

1,531.70

1,542.39

1,544.43

1,543.23

1,526.19

1,532.84

1,522.09

1,519.94

1,514.43

1,507.48

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ec21d929-99bc-4825-8f98-d8f66d0a4814.png

AUD

1,556.03

1,554.08

1,562.47

1,560.44

1,521.11

1,526.36

1,539.70

1,536.14

1,528.66

1,524.50

1,515.18

1,505.10

1,493.89

1,471.04

1,460.36

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HKD

264.21

264.14

263.99

263.75

263.03

263.51

263.75

263.83

263.76

263.61

263.35

262.90

262.51

262.09

261.78

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9775661f-ece0-420b-843d-58b1b4b23546.png

CHF

2,111.33

2,108.95

2,114.81

2,097.92

2,064.75

2,074.80

2,073.90

2,076.79

2,052.80

2,049.05

2,053.17

2,057.26

2,045.16

2,040.75

2,036.57

Bank USD rates at time of sending: TDB (Buy ₮2,043 Sell ₮2,050), Khan (Buy ₮2,043 Sell ₮2,050), Golomt (Buy ₮2,043 Sell ₮2,050), XacBank (Buy ₮2,043 Sell ₮2,050), State Bank (Buy ₮2,043 Sell ₮2,050)

MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:

Link to rates

 

Mogi: No English BoM update since Friday. This is becoming a worrisome trend. Hopefully it's just a staffing issue.

 

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Politics & Legal

Justice Union strikes back at deserter L.Tsog

March 22 (news.mn) Yesterday, two MP's, namely, L.Tsog and G.Uyanga informed that they have decided to leave the "Justice Union" Group. As a result of their decision, the Group now consists of 8 members. Therefore, the General Secretary of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party, J.Sukhbaatar said that L.Tsog who left his group arbitrarily will be penalized. There is also information, that the Justice Union Group will propose that L.Tsog be dismissed from his position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament and be replaced by remaining group member O.Baasankhuu.

Link to article

 

Former JC MP G.Uyanga: We just had to leave…

March 22 (news.mn) Yesterday, two Members of Parliament, G.Uyanga and L.Tsog informed that they are leaving their "Justice Union" group. We, therefore, spoke to G.Uyanga about her decision.

-Yesterday, you and MP L.Tsog informed that you have decided to leave "Justice Union" group. Why did you choose to take this step?

-I have been criticizing the "Justice Union" group recently. The "Justice Union" group took a poll from the people, and announced the program "Five Revolutions to Save Mongolia". The group has worked so poorly for the implementation of this program. Maybe, they have paid more attention as to ministerial appointments than to this program. L.Tsog and I have been loyal to "Five Revolutions to Save Mongolia" until now.

-Should the "Justice Union" approve your decision to leave the group?

-The law does not include any specific provisions for this. Anyway, an MP has the full right to choose his or her group. The director of the group must present our intention to the Parliamentary Speaker; then the Speaker must announce our intentions Parliament.

-Leaving the "Justice Union" group can be understood that you are leaving the party?

-We will stay in the party for now. It is not clear what actions will be taken in the future.

-MP O.Baasankhuu, L.Tsog and you were in agreement on the issue of dismissing the Prime Minister. Does O.Baasankhuu share the same position with you regarding leaving the group?

-I do not know his position on this issue

-How will the "Justice Union" group work in the future, without you and L.Tsog?

-The group still has 8 members – that is enough to work on parliamentary matters.

Link to interview

 

Government transfers some functions to NGOs

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Monday allowed NGOs to perform actions of some state bodies.

Such a transfer will be made on a basis of concrete criteria and in accordance with the law on accounting. The Minister of Finance B.Bolor was told to conclude cooperation contracts.

The NGOs will run actions such as certifying career accountants and holding mid-career trainings for them, approving and supervising a rule of ethics for professional accountants, translating international standards on accounting and audit, their amendments into Mongolian, working out national standards, manuals and recommendations.

NGO will also now provide legal subjects of audit with methodological management and information, formulate reporting methods showing correlation of strategy, governance, performance and tendencies of entities, also annul a certification of auditors and accountants who breached standards and professional ethics, and monitor software of accounting.

NGOs are also allowed to work out and monitor the ethical rule for accountants, certify professional consultants on taxes, prolong the certification, organize examinations, create a data of accredited legal subjects of taxes, and select asset adjusters.

Link to article

 

Cabinet meeting in brief

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) At its regular meeting on Monday, the cabinet approved directives the Mongolian delegation is to adhere to during the 6th meeting of the Mongolia-Bulgaria intergovernmental commission for the trade, economy, science and technical cooperation. The Minister of Food and Agriculture R.Burmaa was told to approve a composition of the delegation.

-       The cabinet authorized the Minister of Finance to issue money from the governmental reserves for ensuring of normal functions of a controlling spot of the "Burgastai" border checkpoint in Gobi-Altai and apartments of workers at the border controlling body, and to recover the expenses by reflecting it in annual budgets.

-       The Mining Minister R.Jigjid spoke about his participation in the 7th Global Conference of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), held this February 24-25 in Lima of Peru.

-       The Finance Minister B.Bolor spoke about an export loan of USD one billion to be given from the Indian government. The cabinet backed the credit's terms after having approved results of works done by a working group on the talks.

-       The FM L.Purevsuren spoke about his participation in the High-Level Segment of the 31st Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, which took place this March 2-4 in Geneva of Switzerland. Obligations were given to him to take measures in connection with this meeting.

-       Orders were given to the Minister of Population Development and Social Welfare to set up within this March an administrative unit for a project on constructing a center for children and youth.

Link to article

 

Mongolian Immigration Office opens at Dunjingarav center

March 22 (gogo.mn) Mongolian Immigration Office started to serve to the public at Government Service Center in Dunjingarav trading center. 

Residents are enabled to receive information and services on nationality, issuing visa to foreign nationals, checks on passenger and vehicle going in and out of Mongolia as well as they give advice on the control for foreigners.

For more information on the services provided by the Mongolian Immigration Office, please contact at 62-260026.

Link to article

 

State prizes awarded

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) On occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Mongolian Armed Forces, the International Women's Day and Nauryz celebration of the Kazakhs, some people were awarded state prizes on Tuesday.

By a decree of the President Ts.Elbegdorj, a title of State Honored Athlete went to J.Nurlan, a World champion in bodybuilding; M.Gongor, a champion of the World Championship for Free Flight Model Aircraft; J.Narantungalag, a martial artist; and to T.Batchimeg, a chess player at the "Suld" sports club.

The titles of State Honored pilot, industrial worker, constructor, teacher, economist, herder, cultural figure, scientific figure, mechanical master, lawyer and commercial expert went to other people.

In addition, the Red Flag Order of Military Merit, the Red Flag Order of Labor Merit, and the Polar Star Order were given to others.

Link to article

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Business

TESO opens new page in Mongolia-China trade, opens rep office

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) TESO Corporation officially opened its representative office in China on March 14. Through the office, the corporation intends to reach out to, at first, the markets of Khukhkhot, Jining and Xilingol of China, where Inner Mongolians settle, and then, to deeper into Chinese economy, providing supply of Mongolia's organic food products.

"It is special that our office in China is opening a new page in a trade between Mongolia and China, as it launching the flow of Mongolia's value-added final products to China's market rather than just being a supplier of raw materials", noted O.Tsogtgerel, a president of TESO Corporation.

TESO started to export its products to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2015. The corporation has also signed cooperation agreement with major line of supermarket of China. As of today, "100" wildberry drinks, "VIP" mineral water, "Lapsha" noodles, "Golden Milk" powder are being exported.

The corporation also intends to expand a variety of its goods to export to the neighbor in South.

Link to article

 

Mongolia Economic Forum 2016: Tentative Agenda

March 22 (gogo.mn) MEF 2016 is to be organized in March 30 - 31 at State Palace, under the motto "Lessons, Challenges, Solutions".

MONGOLIA ECONOMIC FORUM 2016 (TENTATIVE AGENDA)

GoGo News Agency will bring you 2 days coverage from State Palace in March 30, 21.

Link to article

 

Mongolian Mining Forum PDAC 2016: Booth Opening and Forum Photos

Link to photo gallery

 

7th National Renewable Energy Forum of Mongolia on Apr 6

March 22 (gogo.mn) The National Renewable Energy Forum is premier conference in renewable energy sector, which has been organized each year since 2008. The Forum is annually to review the initiatives and activities that address key issues for renewable energy sector, as well as to facilitate discussions on mandatory approaches for the sector and to bring up the progress reports of significant projects will be implemented in the near future. Further, it aims to realize the outcomes of the discussions.

The 7th National Annual Forum for Renewable Energy will be held on April 06 at the Corporate Hotel and Convention Center, is expected to involve over 300 participants by forecast.

FORUM GOALS

The recent changes in the legal framework for the energy sector will be presented to the public and make discussions on the impacts of those changes to the renewable energy projects.

Former National Renewable Energy Forums usually focused on grid connected renewable energy systems, tariff difference problems and energy dispatching issues. However, the goal of the forum this year is to find solutions on how small and medium sized off grid users can be provided with renewable energy, present financial solutions based on professional experts' experience.  In order to find the solutions, what steps need to be taken will be discussed. 

Grid connected energy systems' main technological problem is that renewable energy production is low during peak evening demand and high during night low demand. In order to solve this problem, the rules of the network and the implementation of power purchase agreement and technological solutions to increase renewable energy productions will be discussed. Conclusions and recommendations from the discussions will be presented to the relevant authorities and included in their activities.

PARTICIPANTS

Mongolian wind energy association organized 6th National Renewable Energy Forum in January, 2015 and 250 experts participated in the event. We are planning to involve more than 300 experts in the 7th national forum. 

Forum sections will be moderated by highly experienced professionals. We are involving representatives from all sectors such as academic institutions, private companies and government organizations. Speakers will be experts with more than 5 year experience in the related field.

REGISTRATION FEE

The registration fee: 35000 MNT. There is no limit to the number of registrations. 
P.S: The fee doesn't apply to the invited speakers, guests and participants.

AGENDA

The forum agenda will cover the followings:

  • Renewable energy current status and legal environment changes 
  • Promotion of independent use of renewable energy
  • Technological and financial problems of grid connected renewable energy system and their solutions 
  • Technological solutions to Increase renewable energy share in limited demand 
  • Introduction to new products of renewable energy product manufacturers

For more information on the forum, please click HERE.

Source: www.monwea.org/

Link to article

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Ulaanbaatar

UB to open further city service centers at Misheel Expo, Dragon Center

March 22 (gogo.mn) City administration council today convened at "Public Service Center" and discussed number of matters. Discussions were on improving the completion of works funded through capital budget, as well as centralizing the communication of some UB city departments and their implementing bodies to "Public Services Center". They also discussed budget renewal of extermination of stray dogs, cats.

124,550 people received service from Public Service center since it's opening and majority of them were from Bayanzurkh district. The next PSC are expected to be open in April at Misheel Expo in Khan-Uul district and Dragon center in Songinokhairkhan district.

Link to article

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Diplomacy

Italy to open embassy in Mongolia, Non-Resident Ambassador presents credentials

March 22 (gogo.mn) His Excellency Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Mongolia, Ettore Francisco Sequi today presented his diplomatic credentials to the President Ts.Elbegdorj.

After the credential ceremony, President Ts.Elbegdorj congratulated H.E. Mr. Ettore Sequi on becoming the Ambassador to Mongolia and expressed his hope that the Mongolia-Italy relations will expand. 

President Ts.Elbegdorj emphasized the significance of Italian Foreign Minister's visit to Mongolia expected this April and hopes the Italian PM will attend 11th ASEM Summit happening in July.

In response, "I'm pleased to tell you that Mr. President's effort contributed greatly in expanding Mongolia - Italy relations. Italian FM said to accelerate the opening of Embassy of Italy in Ulaanbaatar, which would bring bilateral relations to whole new level" said H.E. Mr. Ettore Sequi.

He also said the head of the Italian Senate will attend the 9th Asia - Europe Parliamentary Partnership meeting, which will run this April in Ulaanbaatar. as well as willingness of Prime Minister of Italy's wish to take part in 11th ASEM Summit.

H.E. Mr. Ettore Sequi express Italy wants to make investments in Mongolia, and conveyed the greetings from Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, Prime Minister, the head of the Senate and people of Italy.

"Italy - Mongolia have common values. There are many sectors that we can improve our cooperation, which will strengthen bilateral relations. Please give my warmest greetings to President of Italy, Prime Minister and the head of the Italian Senate." said President Ts.Elbegdorj.

Link to article

Related:

Ambassador of Italy presents credentialsMontsame, March 22

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Culture, Society

Nauryz welcomes new spring

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) On March 22, the Mongolian Kazakhs mark the "Nauryz"--a celebration of the beginning of spring for the Kazakhs throughout the world. A word "Nauryz" means "New Day" in Iranian language, indicating the first of the two equinoxes that happen in a year. The Kazakhs consider that the nature and the wildlife revive their energy of life on the Nauryz, when the day and the night equal.

On the Nauryz, the Kazakh people dress up in their traditional costumes, congratulate and greet each other with wishes for health, happiness and success. Men hold hands and bring their chests together for greetings, while women embrace each other.

The eldest in the family or among the gathered should cut the first slice of the ceremonial meal–the boiled head of a sheep. The eldest must also distribute pieces of the meat, at first to the hosts and to the people gathered from the eldest down to the youngest ones.

The main meal of the celebration is called "Nauryz-Keje" (Nauryz soup), made from the "seven elements of life"--water, salt, fat, flour, white and red rice and milk. Each of them symbolizes happiness, wisdom, fortune, luck, health, blessings from god and many children.

Drinking alcohol is a taboo during the Nauryz. As a tradition, the Kazakh people should visit their relatives and friends and eat Nauryz soup until they have full stomach, as an omen for having abundance of food in the coming year.

The Mongolian Kazakhs' center is in Bayan-Olgii aimag formed in August of 1940 in accordance with the Lower House of People's Khural of the Republic of Mongolia.

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Related:

Speaker greets Kazakhs on NauryzMontsame, March 22

 

Nicolas Cage and the Mongolian dinosaur

March 22 (news.mn) In December 2015, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency made a decision to return the skull of a Tarbosaurus Bataar (commonly called a "Tyrannosaurus" Bataar), which had been illegally smuggled from Mongolia to the USA in 2007, and sold at auction. Initially it was not known who the current owner of the 67 million years-old skull was. An investigation revealed that Hollywood star Nicholas Cage bought the skull for USD 276.000 at an auction in Beverley Hills.

Nicholas Cage, aged 52, said he did not know anything about the illegal activities connected with the skull and stressed that he was innocent. The actor has not been accused of any crime and accepted the decision for the precious object to be handed over to the Mongolian Government.

On 11th March, New-York County District Attorney made the final decision to give back the skull to Mongolia, in accordance with which Nicolas Cage will hand it over before 4th April 2016.

The Tarbosaurus Bataar, was a 6 ton carnivore, which lived in what is now the Gobi Desert. Slightly smaller than its American relative cousin the Tyrannosaurus Rex, both lived in the Late Cretaceous at the end of the age of the dinosaurs. It will be recalled, that as a result of the personal intervention of President Ts.Elbegdorj, a complete Tarbosaurus skeleton, which was illegally being sold at auction in the United States was returned home.

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35 years of Mongolian meat soup in zero gravity

March 22 (news.mn) March 22nd marks the 35th anniversary of the day when a Mongolian was blasted into space. On this day, Hero of Mongolia, Major General J.Gurragchaa became the 101st person in space and Mongolia became the 10th country which had sent one of its citizens into earth orbit. He was also the second Asian in space.

J.Gurragchaa was born on 5th December 1947, in the Gurvanbulag soum of Bulgan Province.

Cosmonaut Gurragchaa's Soyuz-39 spacecraft completed 124 orbits over a period of one week 20 hours 42 minutes.

Mongolia and the USSR spent five years in selecting and preparing Gurragchaa. In 1977, he was selected from 10,000 people during a process involving rigorous medical tests In second phase, 13 people were examined went through a further 17 tests resulting in four people, including J.Gurragchaa being shortlisted. The others were M.Ganzorig, D.Surenkhorloo and S.Saintsog.

J.Gurragchaa took soil samples from Altanbulag, the River Khalkh and Erdenet with his into space. Local factories produced 60 kinds of new products "branding" the first Mongolian in space, including, candy, matches, drinks, hat, shirt and also "Bolor" vodka.

J.Gurragchaa took 30 special items with him into orbit. These included the Mongolian flag, the constitution, and "symbols" of state, namely the Suld and Soyombo, a traditional jade snuff bottle from his father, 10 tugriks from his mother and, finally, a photograph of Marshal Tsedenbal.

On 22th March 1981, a total of 206 babies were born in Mongolia, many of whom were given names such as cosmos (sansar) and star (od); 15 of them were named Gurragchaa. Several children were also named Janebekov – the cosmonaut's patronymic.

The legacy of J.Gurragchaa's space flight continues today: even today Russian's take Mongolian dried meat and Mongolian sea buckthorn into orbit with them. During the Intercosmos program, these foods were tested during J.Gurragchaa's week in space. Therefore, traditional Mongolian dried meat and sea buckthorn have remained on the safety food list

The Soyuz landing module, which brought J.Gurragchaa safely back to earth, can be seen at the Astronomy & Space Flight Museum in Ulaanbaatar. In addition to a display of space suits, equipment and model space craft – there is also a state-of-the art planetarium and a lecture theatre making this one of the finest establishments of its kind in Asia.

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Nature, Environment

Water usage statistics in Mongolia

March 22 (gogo.mn) Public Health institute (PHI) reports on Mongolia's water usage by sectors, and domestic tap water takes up 16 percent, Mining 22 percent, and highest is Energy sectors at 25 percent.

Water usage (percentage) by sectors in more details:

  • Energy – 25,
  • Mining -22,
  • Domestic tap water – 16,
  • Animal husbandry – 16,
  • Agriculture irrigation – 12,
  • Light industry – 8,
  • Tourism  - 1,
  • Construction – 0,00002,
  • Green development – 0,00001,
  • Roads  - 0,00001

Mongolia annually uses 500 million cubic metre water. 30.5 percent of all population receives water from centralized network, 35.8 percent from transportable service, 24.6 percent from water distribution point, and 9.1 percent from well or river. 

Water usage of apartments connected to engineering lines are different compared to those living in rural areas, and ger districts where residents living in apartments use up to 230 - 350 liters of water per day compared to ger district or rural community residents using only 5 - 10 liters per day.

Every year water usage is rising which make is main concern in Mongolia as it is the main defining factor to developing sanitation, agriculture irrigation, animal husbandry, range management, and other sectors such as mining and renewable energy.

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'I Want to Bridge the Gap Between Conservation Science and Local People'

March 22, 2016 (Snow Leopard Trust) Growing up in Mongolia's Gobi desert, Tserennadmid (Nadia) Mijiddorj knew from a young age that she wanted to become a snow leopard conservationist. She's made her dream come true, earning a Masters in biology and joining the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation – the Mongolia partner of the Snow Leopard Trust – as a Conservation and Education Manager over a decade ago. Now, thanks to her second Sidney Byers Scholarship for Wildlife Conservation through the WCN Scholarship Program, this homegrown conservationist is ready to take the next step in her career.

Through a series of interview and portraits, we would like to shine a light on some of the many conservation heroes who work tirelessly to save the endangered snow leopard. Last month, we kicked things off by featuring an interview with Tanzin Thinley and Kalzang Gurmet, field coordinators in Spiti, India. Now, we're happy to introduce you to Nadia Mijiddorj!

Nadia, wildlife conservation runs deep in your family. What's your personal background?

I grew up in small village near the Great Gobi National Park. My childhood was fully attached with Gobi wildlife and nature. My father's work inspired me and made me realize the beauty of being a wildlife conservationist. It's always been my dream to work in wildlife conservation with local communities.

When I was a kid, several well know biologists and scientists came to our village to study snow leopards. I learned a lot from them about what an interesting and mysterious character the snow leopard was, and that led to me wanting to know more about this elusive species - especially after I witnessed it in person once.

Please tell us a little more about this experience! When did you first see this elusive cat in the wild?

When I was 6th grade, my classmates and I were traveling to another village to perform at a cultural event. To get there, we had to drive over a mountain range called Dalan. It's a narrow road between steep cliffs, and only one car can pass at a time. As we were slowly driving up the pass, one boy suddenly started pointing toward the cliff, shouting, "a snow leopard!" Of course, we all craned our necks to try and spot this mysterious animal; and me especially, because I had heard so much about it.

When I finally spotted it, my little heart was beating so fast, and I could almost hear my grandma's voice, telling me stories about this 'sacred Ghost of the Mountain'. I will never forget this moment. It lasted only about ten seconds, but I still have this image in my mind of the beautiful mountain ghost looking back over its shoulder one last time before disappearing between the rocks.

You have mentioned the important role local communities play in the conservation of this endangered cat. Why are they so crucial?

_________________

Nadia Mijiddorj received her first scholarship grant from the WCN in 2008. She is one of three young Snow Leopard Trust researchers to have received the prestigious Sidney Byers Scholarship in the last years, alongside Ranjini Murali from India (2014), and Jaffar Ud Din from Pakistan (2015).

As a former Whitley Award winner, Dr. Charudutt Mishra, the Snow Leopard Trust's Science & Conservation Director has the privilege of nominating promising young scientists for this honor. "Both the Whitley Fund for Nature and the WCN have been outstanding champions for snow leopard conservation, and have invested heavily into empowering the next generation of grassroots conservationists", he says.

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Endangered wild sheep population at Ikh Nart grows to over 1,000

Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) The population of Argali (wild mountain sheep), inhabiting the Ikh Nart national reserve located in Dalanjargalan soum of Dornogovi aimag, has reached over a thousand heads. By late 1990, this number stood at 300.

Administration of the Ikh Nart reserve was established in Dalanjargalan soum in 2013, employing vacant staff to ensure wildlife protection.

The Ikh Nart (Place of Great Sun) natural reserve is an area of unique landscape and favorable environment for Argali and wild goats. Ikh Nart was taken under state special protection in 1996.

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