[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 29 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Pages 1307-1308]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

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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 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.