[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ALASKA-MONGOLIA TIES

  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to and 
recognize the contributions of an ally to the United States, an ally 
that has contributed to our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq and who has 
worked in close cooperation with my State of Alaska.
  While their contributions have not received the widespread 
recognition given to other countries, the nation of Mongolia has been a 
steadfast friend of the United States. They have not been deterred by 
those critics who deride the quality of the nations included in the 
coalition forces.
  Mongolia's contributions mean a bit more to the State of Alaska. In 
September 2004, we marked the 1-year anniversary of the start of the 
Alaska-Mongolia National Guard State Partnership.
  Through the State Partnership Program, a true friendship has 
developed between Mongolia and Alaska. Our National Guard has 
established broad working relationships and increased exchanges with 
their Mongolian partners. They stand side by side with the Mongolian 
Armed Forces in Iraq as they participate in the coalition fighting the 
global war on terror. In fact, the Mongolian Ministry of Defense 
specifically requested Alaska National Guard support based on Alaska's 
relationship with their nation.
  I would like to quote MG Craig Gambell that, ``[a]s long as the 
Mongolian Armed Forces are willing to send troops in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Alaska National Guard will continue to 
stand by their side.''
  Prior to 2000, Mongolia did not have a national policy of deploying 
forces beyond its borders. Yet, they were the first coalition country 
to contribute an infantry battalion to Iraq. The Mongolian Armed Forces 
are currently providing security to a logistics base in southern Iraq, 
escorting convoys, constructing military barracks, medical facilities, 
and local schools. They deserve special recognition for preventing a 
suicide attack that could have killed hundreds.
  Alaska's pairing with Mongolia in the National Guard State 
Partnership Program is fitting, given our similar geographic size, 
topography, population density, and climate. The program allows 
Alaska's soldiers to work with Mongolian forces on professional 
military skills as well as in military-to-civil and civil-to-civil 
areas. Beyond the teamwork in Iraq, other events have been coordinated 
to keep the partnership together for years to come.
  Last year, an Alaska National Guard delegation met with Prime 
Minister Elbegdorj, as well as other senior level government and 
military leaders in Mongolia. Already plans to send observers both this 
year and next have been made.
  The success that the partnership enjoyed this past year is a direct 
reflection of the willingness and eagerness on both sides to further 
our relations. The Alaska National Guard tells me that Mongolia is 
enthusiastic about their democratic reforms and is aggressively working 
to meet its goals.
  I thank the leaders of Mongolia for their friendship and support, and 
I look forward to the continued success of this partnership between the 
Land of the Midnight Sun and the Land of Blue Sky.

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