    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 15, 2004]
    [Pages 1348-1349]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Mongolia
    July 15, 2004

        President Bush and President Bagabandi today declared a new era of cooperation and
    comprehensive partnership between their two democratic countries based
    on shared values and common strategic interests. They welcomed the
    progress in implementing the Joint Statement of January 31, 2004 and
    looked ahead to future consultations and collaboration. The two sides
    agreed to work towards maintaining regular consultations at all levels.
    They also expressed satisfaction that the relationship between their two
    countries continues to grow and strengthen. President Bagabandi's visit
    illustrates the important progress we have made in our bilateral
    relationship and in our mutual participation in the larger community of
    democracies.
        The United States welcomed the recent free and fair elections in
    Mongolia as another manifestation of Mongolia's strong and abiding
    commitment to democracy.
        President Bush expressed the United States' strong support for
    Mongolia's democratic and economic transition and reforms and welcomed
    Mongolia's progress toward becoming a mature and stable democracy and a
    private sector-led free market economy. He congratulated President
    Bagabandi and the Mongolian people for
    qualifying for eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account, a new
    approach to achieving sustainable economic growth that rewards countries
    for past performance and provides incentives for continuing dynamic
    policy reforms. President Bush congratulated the Mongolian people on
    their commitment to democracy as expressed in their recent elections and
    noted confidence that the election process would be successfully
    completed in a free, fair and transparent manner consistent with
    Mongolia's constitution.
        The two Presidents agreed that a democratic, secure, and prosperous
    Mongolia that promotes friendly relations with its neighbors and is an
    active participant in regional and international economic, political,
    and security forums is essential to ensuring peace and stability in
    Asia. The United States supports Mongolia's efforts to integrate itself
    into regional and international economic and financial structures.
        President Bush and President Bagabandi also noted their common support for the permanent,
    thorough, and transparent dismantlement of nuclear programs on the
    Korean Peninsula. The United States acknowledges Mongolia's efforts to
    gain internationally recognized and legally binding nuclear weapon-free
    status to further enhance confidence-building measures in North East
    Asia.
        President Bush welcomed Mongolia's commitment to combat
    international terrorism and applauded Mongolia's participation in the
    stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, including its
    peacekeeping commitment to the Multinational Force in Iraq. The United
    States and Mongolia agreed to continue working to advance Mongolia's
    contribution to international peacekeeping efforts. President Bush
    reaffirmed the U.S. willingness to continue bilateral programs of
    technical assistance consistent with Mongolia's long-term developmental
    goals. President Bagabandi expressed
    Mongolia's deep appreciation to the United States for its long-term
    support and economic assistance. The two Presidents agreed that the
    establishment of a free, democratic Iraq is important to democracy,
    peace and stability in the Middle East and the United Nations should
    play a leading role in the process.
        The two Presidents agreed to actively promote bilateral trade and
    investment and noted signing of the United States-Mongolia Trade and
    Investment Framework Agreement during President Bagabandi's visit. The Presidents expressed the hope

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    that this would lead in due course to a closer bilateral economic and
    trade relationship.
        The two Presidents recognized that a U.S.-Mongolia relationship
    based on mutual respect and equitable partnership is in the national
    interest of both countries. They pledged to deepen and strengthen this
    important relationship and to work together to promote global freedom,
    peace, democracy and prosperity.

     Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.