I am delighted to be in Mongolia, and I am especially honored to assume my duties in the year commemorating the 800th Anniversary of the Great Mongol State.
The United States, as President Bush confirmed in Ulaanbaatar last November, is honored that Mongolia considers it a “third neighbor.” Though we are far apart geographically, our economic and human interaction binds us more closely every day.
In only 20 years of diplomatic relations, the United States and Mongolia have built strong ties, based on our shared values and common strategic interests.
The United States has a national interest in Mongolia’s development as a secure, democratic, and prosperous country. For a decade and a half, we have supported this development through our assistance programs and the work of Peace Corps volunteers throughout Mongolia. We look forward to conclusion of a Millennium Challenge Account compact with Mongolia, under which the United States will make substantial new investments to spur Mongolian prosperity. Our cooperation extends overseas. We are pleased to assist Mongolia in building its capacity to take part in peacekeeping operations, and proud to serve alongside Mongolian troops in the international war on terrorism. We support Mongolia's effort to play a stronger role internationally, through such new roles as membership in the Convening Council of the Community of Democracies..
I look forward to joining this ongoing cooperation with the Mongolian government and the people of Mongolia. We will accomplish much together.
