    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 23, 1991]
    [Pages 57-59]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With President Punsalmaagiyn Ochirbat of
    Mongolia
    January 23, 1991

        President Bush. Mr. President, it's been my great honor to welcome
    you to the White House for this historic visit to our country, the first
    ever by the head of state of Mongolia. Mr. President, Mongolia and the
    United States are countries separated by thousands of miles and a world
    of differences--in culture, history, and outlook. And yet, in this past
    year, our two nations have moved closer together, drawn toward one
    another by universal principles and ideals.
        In the past year, Mongolia has opened its controlled economy to free
    market reform, opened its closed political system, and opened its doors
    to the world. Opposition parties are now legal. Mongolia held its first
    multiparty elections in July--a free and fair vote that produced the
    first popularly elected legislature in Mongolia's history. This
    transition toward broader political freedom

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    has a parallel in increased freedom of belief as well, with the
    reopening of several monasteries. Mr. President, your party's positive
    approach toward reform has meant peaceful change.
        In our discussions today, I made clear the strong support the United
    States is ready to offer as Mongolia moves forward toward greater
    freedom. President Ochirbat said he appreciated our support for
    Mongolia's efforts at democracy and restructuring, and he hopes to lay a
    firm foundation for positive development of bilateral relations, based
    on mutual benefit, noninterference in each other's internal affairs.
        Already, the United States has begun a program of technical
    assistance to Mongolia. Just this month, a team from AID traveled to
    Ulan Bator to brief 20 mid-level managers on free market reform and
    found 200 officials ready to exchange ideas, including many Members of
    the Mongolian Legislature. And this summer, for the first time ever,
    Peace Corps volunteers will begin working in Mongolia.
        Later this afternoon, our two countries will sign agreements opening
    the way to expanded trade and closer contact in the areas of science and
    technology. And today, I have issued the waiver to open the door
    granting Mongolia most-favored-nation status, a step that I hope will
    spur increased trade between our two countries.
        In addition to these matters of mutual interest, I reviewed with
    President Ochirbat world affairs of surpassing concern, including
    Operation Desert Storm. Mongolia was among the very first to condemn
    Iraq's brutal invasion of Kuwait and to call for Iraq's complete and
    unconditional withdrawal. Mr. President, after our talks, I know that
    you believe as I do that no nation must be permitted to assault and
    brutalize its neighbor. The action of Iraq's dictator--the actions of
    one misguided man--cannot obscure mankind's bright destiny of democracy
    and freedom. The future lies with the process of revolution and renewal
    now taking place in your nation--a democratic revolution that is
    destined to bring peace, freedom and prosperity to the people of
    Mongolia, as it has to this country and so many others around the world.
        So, once again, sir, it has been my distinct pleasure to welcome you
    to Washington and to this White House. And God bless you, and may God
    bless the people of Mongolia.
        President Ochirbat. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, at the
    outset, let me express our sincere thanks to Your Excellency, Mr.
    President, for the invitation to pay an official working visit to the
    United States of America and the warm welcome accorded to us. Availing
    myself of this opportunity to address you, the representatives of mass
    media, in this room of the White House--a house which has witnessed many
    outstanding historical events--I bring the friendly greeting of the
    Mongolian people to the American people.
        This is the first visit ever paid by the head of state of Mongolia
    to the United States of America. It is an evidence of a dynamic
    development of Mongol-American bilateral relations--particularly if you
    will recall that formal relations were established between the two
    countries only 4 years ago.
        President Bush and I had a frank exchange of views on bilateral
    relations and international issues of mutual interest. And I am
    extremely pleased to say that this meeting opened up broad vistas for
    furthering ties between the two countries. We highly appreciate the full
    support voiced during our meeting by President Bush on behalf of the
    U.S. administration for democratic processes that are gaining momentum
    in Mongolia.
        President Bush and I agreed to see to it that the Mongol-American
    relations be developed vigorously on the basis of the universally
    recognized principles of state sovereignty, independence,
    noninterference in each other's internal affairs, equality, and mutual
    benefit.
        We have also agreed that there is a broad possibility for
    cooperation in encouraging U.S. investment and carrying out
    technological renovation in Mongolia, expanding bilateral trade,
    facilitating Mongolia's switch to a market economy, and training
    qualified personnel. I believe that the trade agreement and the
    agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the two
    countries, which are to be signed today, will be of much importance in
    making the best

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    of these potentialities.
        And, of course, of the exchange of views on international issues,
    both sides unanimously emphasize the importance of pulling together the
    efforts of all states in order to strengthen the positive changes that
    are taking place in the world.
        As for the Persian Gulf crisis, we deeply regret the outbreak of an
    armed conflict there which is jeopardizing international stability.
    Should the Iraqi leadership meet the demands of the international
    community and withdraw its troops from Kuwait, this situation would not
    have occurred. The Mongolian People's Republic strongly hopes that the
    military operations by allied forces aimed at restoring Kuwait's
    independence and sovereignty would not escalate, and peace and
    tranquillity will prevail soon in the Persian Gulf region. Just as
    democracy, freedom, and human rights are the lofty ideals that should be
    upheld by all, this is what the Mongolian Government is strongly
    committed to in its domestic and foreign policies.
        Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the warm welcome accorded to
    us, the delegates of the Mongolian people. I wish you and the American
    people happiness and well-being.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 1:16 p.m. in the East
                            Room at the White House. President Ochirbat
                            spoke in Mongolian, and his remarks were
                            translated by an interpreter. Prior to their
                            remarks, the two Presidents met privately in the
                            Oval Office and with U.S. and Mongolian
                            officials in the Cabinet Room, and then attended
                            a luncheon in the Old Family Dining Room.