AGP Executive Report

Mongolia–France Education Ties: Mongolia’s education ministry met France’s foreign ministry officials to improve the quality and accessibility of school lunches, with France offering to share “good practices” and support rollout. Central Bank Watch: The Bank of Mongolia opened a public consultation on its 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines, outlining inflation stabilization around 5% and steps to strengthen banking supervision and anti–money laundering systems. Energy & Telecom Deals: Skytel (via SKYmedia) selected ZEGi NEXX5 for a 10-year OTT streaming platform, while Mongolia also signed MoUs tied to clean energy cooperation with the UAE. Sports Infrastructure: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar’s Khoroo 13 was completed and accepted for permanent operation, giving 140,000 residents more access to courts, training halls, and outdoor facilities. International Sports Results: Mongolian judokas won medals at the Hungary Grand Slam (B.Baasankhuu bronze in -48kg; U.Byambasuren silver in -66kg). Youth & Innovation: Falling Walls Lab Ulaanbaatar 2026 showcased young researchers’ pitches, and Mongolia’s winners can advance to Berlin; separately, Mongolia was listed among participants arriving for Russia’s International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg.

Bank of Mongolia: The central bank opened a public consultation on draft “State Monetary Policy Guidelines for 2027,” outlining plans to keep inflation around 5%, strengthen banking supervision, and improve rules against money laundering and related risks. Local Sports Infrastructure: A new three-story sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, giving 140,000 residents new facilities for football, tennis, basketball, boxing, fitness, and more. Mongolia–Russia Cultural Diplomacy: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum to mark 105 years of Mongolia–Russia diplomatic ties, featuring works by Russian Honored Artist Fyodor Torkhov. Education & Social Policy: Mongolia’s education ministry met France to discuss improving school lunch quality and accessibility, with France offering support to raise nutrition and expand healthy-menu practices. Tech & Media: Skytel has selected ZEGi NEXX5 as the platform for its OTT streaming service for the next 10 years. Youth & Innovation: Falling Walls Lab Ulaanbaatar 2026 gave young researchers a three-minute pitch format, with the top participant set to go to the global finale in Berlin. Sports Results: Mongolian judokas won medals at the Hungary Grand Slam—B.Baasankhuu took bronze (-48 kg) and U.Byambasuren won silver (-66 kg).

Central Bank Watch: Mongolia’s Bank of Mongolia opened a public consultation on draft “State Monetary Policy Guidelines for 2027,” outlining a 5% medium-term inflation target, macroprudential coordination, flexible tugrik exchange-rate adjustment, and tighter banking supervision and anti–money laundering/terror financing frameworks. Bilateral Energy Diplomacy: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to boost renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation, including expertise exchange, capacity building, and a joint working group to identify feasible clean-energy projects. Fuel Supply Talks: Mongolia agreed with China’s CNPC on September fuel deliveries (gasoline, jet fuel, diesel) and discussed additional volumes plus a shift toward longer-term supply contracts with transparent pricing and logistics coordination. Sports & Social Infrastructure: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, offering indoor and outdoor facilities for roughly 140,000 residents. Culture & Heritage: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum in Ulaanbaatar to mark 105 years of Mongolia–Russia diplomatic ties, featuring works by Russian artist Fyodor Torkhov. Presidential Image: President Khurelsukh went viral after bench-pressing 100kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit, reinforcing his public reputation for physical fitness.

Ulaanbaatar–Beijing Energy Security: Mongolia agreed to buy 10,000 tons of gasoline and 4,000 tons of jet fuel from China in September, with talks also covering additional AI-92 gasoline and diesel volumes and a push toward longer-term, contract-based supply. Renewables & Green Hydrogen: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to expand cooperation on renewable energy and green hydrogen, including expertise exchange, capacity building, and a joint working group for project feasibility. Education Modernization: ADB backed Mongolia’s education expansion with a $130 million loan to build/expand 33 schools and kindergartens, upgrade learning materials, and strengthen education management. AI in Education: Mongolia’s education minister presented AI education policy and digital learning governance at UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week in Paris, stressing clear public information and support for teachers and students. Higher-Tech Partnership: Mongolia’s education minister met IP Paris to propose a partnership with MUST to strengthen engineering and technical workforce capacity. Culture & Access: A forum at the National University of Mongolia focused on making Mongolian library catalogs accessible internationally and discussed amendments to the Law on Libraries. Local Transport Update: Ulaanbaatar introduced advance seat reservations only for certain suburban routes via the UBCARD app, clarifying it does not apply to city buses. International Aviation: Azerbaijan’s parliament is set to consider approval of an air services agreement with Mongolia. Sports & Public Image: President Khurelsukh’s viral bench-press video (100 kg for 20 reps in formal attire) continues to dominate social media.

Mongolia–Vietnam Parliamentary Ties: Mongolia’s State Great Khural chair Byambatsogt Sandag met Vietnam’s National Assembly chair Tran Thanh Man in Ulaanbaatar, agreeing to sign cooperation memoranda and push a joint implementation plan through 2028. Energy Diplomacy: Mongolia’s Deputy PM Dorjkhand Togmid and UAE energy minister Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei signed an MoU covering renewable power, green hydrogen, grid upgrades, storage, and possible electricity/hydrogen exports, with talks also involving Abu Dhabi Development Fund and G42 on clean energy for data centers. Public Administration Modernization: South Korea will fund an 11 billion won ODA project to roll out a road-name address system in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts through 2029, including grid-based location codes to support digital services and safety. Wildlife & Forestry Rules: Mongolia banned cedar nut harvesting until year-end after bear sightings in residential areas rose amid poor crops, with penalties for illegal harvesting. Viral Politics & Military Visit: President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh’s bench-press video sparked debate online over the weight lifted during a military base visit. Regional Context: UNCCD COP17 coverage highlighted stalled participation for Indigenous groups and unresolved drought and finance issues, with Mongolia hosting key discussions.

Parliament Watch: Mongolia’s National Assembly will hold a public hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein files on October 7, after an opposition MP raised concerns about references to senior Mongolian political figures, with the session set to review documents and agency-held information. Health Policy: The government approved a “Year of Health Support – 2027” action plan, tasking the Health Ministry with national coordination and focusing on continuity of care, lower medicine costs, and faster digital health system upgrades. Energy Diplomacy: Mongolia and the UAE signed an energy cooperation MoU covering renewables, green hydrogen, power transmission and storage, plus training and possible electricity/hydrogen exports. Legislative Ties: NA President Tran Thanh Man met Mongolia’s PM and ruling-party leadership during his visit, while Mongolia’s Parliament Speaker Byambatsogt held talks with Vietnam’s NA chair, with cooperation plans aimed at implementation through 2028. Land & Climate: UNCCD COP17 wrap-up coverage highlights that Indigenous and civil society participation and drought framework items were deferred, while Mongolia’s environment ministry says COP17 delivered key initiatives like rangelands and water-land nexus programs. Governance & Finance: Mongolia signed an MoU with BlackRock Financial Markets Advisory to support reforms around consolidating state-owned enterprise shares and preparing capital-market offerings. Local Addressing: South Korea will fund Mongolia’s rollout of a Korean-style road-name and building-number system in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts through 2029.

Mongolia–Montenegro Economic Push: Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović is in Mongolia for a state visit, with both sides moving from signed agreements to practical cooperation—direct business links, tourism, and better transport connectivity—plus tighter parliamentary contacts. State-Owned Enterprise Reshuffle: Mongolia’s government approved measures to implement the Law on Governance of State and Local Government-Owned Companies, cutting staffing at state-owned enterprises by 30%, removing 25 organizations from the state budget, and reorganizing positions to save about MNT 30 billion ahead of 2027 implementation. COP17 Audit Launched: Mongolia’s National Audit Office has started a financial and compliance audit of COP17 funding and spending, covering ministries and agencies involved from 2023–2026. Epstein Files Hearing Set: Parliament will hold a public hearing on Jeffrey Epstein documents on October 7, after an opposition MP flagged references to prominent Mongolian political figures; the hearing will examine documents, agency records, and witness testimony. Mongolia–Vietnam Parliamentary Ties: Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man arrived for an official visit, with talks and cooperation documents planned to deepen the Comprehensive Partnership and inter-parliamentary cooperation. Energy/Industry Watch: Mongolia is preparing an $800m steel complex in Darkhan-Uul to reduce industrial reliance on China, targeting 1 million tonnes of steel annually.

State-Owned Enterprise Reshuffle: Mongolia’s Government approved measures to implement the Law on Governance of State and Local Government-Owned Companies, cutting staffing at state-owned enterprises by 30%, removing 25 organizations from the state budget, and reorganizing 108–324 positions—aiming for about MNT 30 billion in annual salary and recurrent savings from January 1, 2027. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, while Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man arrived for an official visit to Mongolia (Sept. 9–11), with talks and cooperation documents planned at the parliamentary level. Trade Push with Montenegro: A Mongolia–Montenegro business roundtable at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on diversifying trade, expanding market access, and strengthening direct business ties ahead of the Montenegro state visit. COP17 Audit Starts: Mongolia’s National Audit Office launched a financial and compliance audit into COP17 funding and expenditure, covering key ministries and agencies from 2023–2026. Aviation Link with Japan: NUBIA signed an MoU with Hokkaido Airports to expand aviation cooperation and explore new routes between Mongolia and Hokkaido. Education & Culture: Mongolia’s State Academic Drama Theatre staged “Son of Tengri” at Russia’s Alexandrinsky Theatre, agreeing on future cooperation.

Fuel Crisis & Energy Security: Mongolians are facing a severe petrol shortage, with reports of five-hour queues and rationing measures as disruptions to Russian oil supplies raise new pressure on energy security. Bilateral Diplomacy: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović held official talks in Ulaanbaatar, agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, education, culture, science, media, tourism, and people-to-people ties, and signing a joint declaration plus visa and diplomatic-training documents. Tourism: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan leading arrivals. Governance & Agriculture: The State Harvest Commission urged swift harvesting ahead of expected cold snaps, highlighting loan and interest-subsidy support under the “Atar-4” campaign and mobilization of students and military personnel. Public Life: Ulaanbaatar will host its first night marathon on Sept. 26, with 5km, 10km, and 21km routes and cultural performances planned.

Mongolia–Montenegro Diplomacy: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Montenegro President Jakov Milatović issued a joint statement after official talks in Ulaanbaatar, agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, economy, education, culture, science, media, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, and to work together in the UN and other forums; the visit marks 20 years of diplomatic ties and included signing a Joint Declaration plus visa and diplomatic training cooperation documents. Tourism & Economy: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan leading source markets; the government is pushing year-round tourism and extending its “Years to Visit Mongolia” campaign through 2028. Energy Security (Fuel Crisis): Mongolia’s fuel shortage continues to hit rural areas, with a PM task force ordering urgent deliveries to 17 soums after reports that 30 soums had run out of fuel, while officials cite rising demand and logistics gaps. Agriculture Preparedness: The State Harvest Commission urged farmers to finish harvesting quickly as snow and sharp temperature drops are expected by late September and early October, including zero-waste harvesting and tighter inter-agency coordination. Public Life: Ulaanbaatar will host its first night marathon on Sept. 26 with 5, 10, and 21 km routes and entertainment planned around the city’s landmarks.

Budget & Parliament: Mongolia’s State Great Khural opened an irregular session to debate 2026 budget amendments aimed at easing pressure on households, with MPs backing cuts and reallocation toward pensions, civil-service pay, “School Close to Home,” and strategic food and energy reserves. Energy Security: The Prime Minister ordered oil exploration and extraction sites to be protected by Internal Troops, stressing investor protection and reducing fuel-import dependence. Renewables Rollout: Mongolia’s first competitive renewable energy auction is now moving forward, awarding 220 MW solar PV plus 135 MW/440 MWh battery storage across five provinces, with a second auction set for Sept. 11. Public Health: Ulaanbaatar launched a “Together Against Influenza” campaign, offering free shots to high-risk groups ahead of the usual mid-October rise in cases. Geopolitics & Diplomacy: Mongolia’s PM attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok as Russia pushes the Asia-Pacific as a growth engine, while Mongolia also continues expanding ties with partners including the UAE through new ambassadorial credentials. AI Governance: A commentary argues Mongolia’s AI push needs a practical verification standard inside decision workflows, not just after-the-fact checks.

Renewables Push: Mongolia’s first competitive renewable energy auction is now moving from paper to power, with the National Dispatching Centre signing power purchase agreements for 220 MW solar PV plus 135 MW/440 MWh battery storage across five provinces; tariffs ranged from $0.0485/kWh to $0.078/kWh, and a second auction is set for Sept. 11. Parliament & Budget: The State Great Khural opened an irregular session to debate 2026 budget amendments, with lawmakers urging measures to ease household pressure amid higher energy, oil, and food prices. Energy Security: PM Nyam-Osoryn Uchral ordered oil exploration and extraction sites to be protected by Internal Troops, citing national security and reducing fuel import dependence. Public Health: Ulaanbaatar launched a “Together Against Influenza” campaign running until Oct. 3, offering free shots to 293,619 high-risk residents. Korea’s Medical Tourism Pivot: South Korea’s tourism authority is targeting Mongolia’s mining workforce and executives with tailored medical tourism packages, including screenings and wellness programs. Regional Diplomacy: Putin used the Eastern Economic Forum to spotlight Asia-Pacific growth and deepen Russia’s Far East cooperation, with Mongolia’s PM in attendance. SCO Context: Commentary on the SCO’s Bishkek summit framed it as a shift toward broader multilateral cooperation amid geopolitical tension.

Mongolia–Japan Ties: President Khurelsukh met Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi, reaffirming the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” and highlighting Japan as a key “third neighbor,” including support for expanding Chinggis Khaan International Airport via a concessional loan. Mongolia–Montenegro Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept 8–10, the first state-level visit by a Montenegrin president, marking 20 years of diplomatic relations and set to cover trade, investment, education, culture, science, and climate/environment cooperation. Transport & Trade: Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC reported 33m tonnes freight last year and nearly 20m in the first seven months, projecting a record year; Mongolia and Russia also discussed transport cooperation at the Eastern Economic Forum. Culture & Tourism: The “A Thousand Horsemen” event in Gorkhi-Terelj features international mounted archery and equestrian shows, with 87 archers from multiple countries. Sports Spotlight: Mongolia hosted the FIBA 3x3 Sansar Challenger, where Miami won the title and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy secured a World Tour ticket. Regional Note: SCO leaders in Bishkek underscored a multipolar agenda, with China keeping summit messaging broad and symbolic.

Japan-Mongolia Ties: President Khurelsukh met Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, reaffirming Mongolia’s “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” and highlighting Japan as a key “third neighbor,” with talks also pointing to plans to expand Chinggis Khaan International Airport via a concessional Japanese loan. Montenegro Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept. 8–10, the first state-level visit by a Montenegrin president, to mark 20 years of diplomatic relations and to negotiate expanded cooperation across trade, investment, education, science, tourism, and climate/environment. Rail Freight Outlook: Ulaanbaatar Railway reports freight momentum—over 33 million tonnes last year and nearly 20 million in the first seven months—on track for a record year, alongside a Mongolia-Russia mobile medical train service reaching more than 2,800 people. National Events & Culture: The “A Thousand Horsemen” festival in Gorkhi-Terelj spotlights Mongolia’s horse culture for tourism, featuring an international khiimori mounted archery tournament with 87 archers from multiple countries. Food Systems Policy: State Secretary Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya joined Bhutan’s Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, linking Mongolia’s pastoral heritage to climate-resilient food governance and nature-based solutions. Sports & International Youth: Mongolia’s presence at the World Nomad Games continues with international cultural and sporting programming, including ethnic music festival awards in Kyrgyzstan.

Mongolia’s 100 Years of Modern Construction: President Khurelsukh marked the centenary of Mongolia’s modern construction sector, praising its role in growth, jobs, manufacturing and urban development, and urging long-term policy that balances safe, comfortable living with environmental protection and future generations’ needs. Food Systems Diplomacy: State Secretary Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya joined Bhutan’s Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, linking Mongolia’s pastoral heritage to climate-resilient food governance and highlighting that 180,000 herder households support over a million people. SCO Spotlight: Xi Jinping used the SCO summit in Bishkek to stress “higher-quality development” and a “multipolar world” narrative, while the SCO’s 25th anniversary underscored continued leader-to-leader dealmaking rather than dispute-solving. Mongolia-Russia-China Energy/Trade Signals: Russia renamed the stalled “Power of Siberia 2” project to “Power of Baikal,” with the route tied to future binding supply talks, while Mongolia’s broader push for corridor and energy ties remains in focus. World Nomad Games Culture & Sport: Kyrgyzstan won the ethnic music festival Grand Prix at the Games; Mongolia took the audience award, and Mongolian athletes also placed in khapsagay and other traditional events. AI Chip Race Spillover: DeepSeek’s reported plan to use 160,000 Huawei Ascend 950DT chips for inference at a data center in Inner Mongolia highlights how China’s AI build-out is reshaping compute demand and supply chains.

Mongolia-Japan Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh met Japan’s Motegi Toshimitsu for official talks, reaffirming Mongolia’s “third neighbor” priority and backing the Mongolia–Japan Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, including implementation of the 2022–2031 Action Plan. Health Policy: Mongolia launched its annual influenza vaccination campaign early (Sept. 3), aiming to build immunity before the usual October–February season; this year’s doses rise to 500,000 and target children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses via 600+ facilities. Education & Youth Development: The government rolled out the “Ikh Nuudel” chess program for general education schools after FIDE donated 10,000 chess sets, with lessons framed as building critical thinking and self-management in an AI era. Food Systems & Agriculture: State Secretary Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya joined Bhutan’s Global Conscious Food Systems Summit, linking Mongolia’s pastoral heritage to climate-resilient food governance and noting 180,000 herder households depend on livestock. International Cooperation: Mongolia’s ambassador to Italy/FAO, Bulgan Dansran, presented credentials to IFAD’s chairman, discussing expanded projects to strengthen herder resilience, human resources, and internships. Culture & Heritage: At the VI World Nomad Games’ ethnic music festival “Köçmön dörru,” Kyrgyz performer Nurdoolot Derkembaev won the grand prize, while Mongolia’s Odmandakh Bayaraa took the audience vote. Regional Sports Results: Mongolia won three bronze medals at the Central Asian Badminton Championships in Khujand (U16/U19 categories).