[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

[[Page 1349]]

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.