[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 139 (Friday, November 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          COMMENDING MONGOLIA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2014

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Honorable 
President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, His Excellency Ambassador Altangerel 
Bulgaa, the State Great Hural, and the people of Mongolia for their 
commitment to the development of a stable and prospering democracy. 
Since establishing diplomatic relations with the United States in 1987, 
Mongolia has successfully conducted six presidential and six 
legislative elections. Additionally, Mongolia has supported 
international peace efforts by deploying troops to Iraq from 2003 
through October 2008, and now has approximately 350 troops in 
Afghanistan supporting Coalition operations.
  Mongolia has also achieved remarkable success over the past two 
decades as one of Asia's fastest growing economies. Since 2003, 
Mongolia's GDP has more than doubled. With one of the world's largest 
copper and gold mines, such as the Oyu Tolgoi, which boasts one of the 
biggest metallurgical and thermal coal deposits as well, Mongolia is on 
track to become a thriving mining center in the Asian region. 
Additionally, Mongolia's trade with the United States has surged in the 
last few years, making the United States Mongolia's third largest 
trading partner.
  Today the relationship between our two countries continues to grow 
and strengthen. I look forward to the continuing cooperation and 
comprehensive partnership between Mongolia and the United States based 
on our shared values and common strategic interests, and I have every 
confidence that Mongolia will continue to flourish as a relevant and 
established presence in the region.

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