Upon the invitation and request of the Chair of the Joint standing committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of Australian Parliament, Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Australia H.E. Mr. Ravdan Bold has made a briefing to the committee on the 17th of June 2014. Australian parliament members and senators have attended the briefing.

Ambassador updated the members on Mongolian foreign policy issues and current state of play of bilateral relations between Mongolia and Australia. The members highlighted the successful development of soft diplomacy between the two countries such as the “Mozzies” the alumni association of Mongolians, who studied in Australia; educational exchanges and missions of Australian volunteers in Mongolia.

During the briefing, Ambassador described the Mongolian foreign policy as open, multipillar and non-aligned, and that the two priorities are to maintain balanced, good neighborly relations with its neighbors; and to implement more active “”third neighbor policy. Specifically, he explained the concept and substance of the “third neighbor policy”, to which Australia also fits. Ambassador informed the members about latest developments in the bilateral cooperation and answered the questions raised by members.

Using the opportunity, the parliamentary members and senators asked several questions related to the bilateral relations; as well as the regional security. Also, the committee members were interested in whether the investment climate in Mongolia has improved; and if the safety of Australians working in Mongolia is provided. The parliamentarians, which attended the briefing, have noted that the information provided during the briefing has played an important role in understanding current Mongolian situation.