Ambassador Mark C. Minton Visits Erdenet and Darkhan

U.S. Ambassador Mark C. Minton visited Erdenet and Darkhan, October 25-27 to view the many partnerships and initiatives that the U.S. Government pursues in the region – especially in education, business development, and humanitarian assistance.

“I’m delighted to visit Erdenet and Darkhan, where the American people support a wide range of programs to benefit Mongolians,” said Ambassador Minton.  “All have a common goal: to create prosperity through improvements in education, US-Mongolian cooperation, and business growth."

Meeting political and business leaders in Erdenet and Darkhan, Ambassador Minton noted that the American Embassy is interested in continuing and expanding its strong engagement with the region and local citizens.

While the ambassador was traveling in the region, the Voice of America (VOA) signed an agreement with Orkhom FM radio for installation of a satellite dish which will allow the station to rebroadcast VOA programs.  The Ambassador told a journalist with the radio station on October 27, "I am very pleased that people in the Darkhan area will soon have much greater access to VOA programming, something which many residents have requested."

In both cities, Ambassador Minton met Peace Corps Volunteers contributing to the region through English teaching, English teacher training, youth development, health education, and economic development. 

Ambassador Minton also met with Mongolian students and teachers in Erdenet and Darkhan to hear their views and respond to their questions.

The Ambassador admired local culture during his visit, joining an Erdenet based Peace Corps Volunteer to participate in the first hair-cutting ceremony for the four-year-old child of the Volunteer’s Mongolian host family.  In addition, he visited Amarbayasgalant Monastery.

The US Agency for International Development’s Ger Initiative actively supports Mongolians creating small businesses in the Erdenet and Darkhan regions.  Ambassador Minton visited these projects, witnessing local entrepreneurial efforts.

In Darkhan, Ambassador Minton also met two US Marines working with the Mongolian Armed Forces' 330th Peacekeeping Battalion.  He learned about the Marines’ work with the battalion, and the support they provide for the Mongolian defense reform goal of increasing the role played by noncommissioned officers.  The Marines told Ambassador Minton that they have been impressed by the Mongolian military's increasing capabilities to support peacekeeping operations around the world.