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Putin’s State Visit to Mongolia: A Symbol of Strategic Partnership Amid Global Tensions
Explore the significance of Putin’s state visit to Mongolia amidst rising global tensions. Discover how this meeting symbolizes the strengthening of strategic partnerships and its implications for regional stability and international relations.
Putin’s State Visit to Mongolia Amid International Tensions
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia received a warm and ceremonial welcome from Mongolia’s leader on Tuesday during his first state visit to a nation that is a member of the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) since it issued an arrest warrant for him last year. Rather than adhering to the calls for his arrest from the I.C.C., Ukraine, and various human rights organizations, Mongolia welcomed Mr. Putin with a red-carpet reception in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
The Russian leader was met by an honor guard, featuring some members on horseback, dressed in uniforms inspired by the legendary 13th-century Mongol conqueror, Genghis Khan. This display of tradition highlighted Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and its historical ties to Russia.
After the ceremonial welcome, Mr. Putin and President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh of Mongolia engaged in discussions within a traditional yurt situated in the State Palace of Ulaanbaatar. During the public portion of their meeting, Mr. Putin remarked, “Relations between the Russian Federation and Mongolia are developing in all directions,” as reported by RIA Novosti, a state-run news agency in Russia.
President Khurelsukh expressed his gratitude to Mr. Putin for making the visit, which marked the first high-level engagement between the two countries in five years. He noted, “It is gratifying to note that relations between our countries and peoples are traditionally friendly and have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Mongolia, which depends heavily on Russia for approximately 95 percent of its petroleum products, has chosen not to condemn Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The nation has consistently abstained from votes at the United Nations concerning the conflict. Notably, Mongolia emerged as a significant destination for many Russians seeking refuge after the onset of the war in 2022, especially following the Kremlin’s announcement of a mobilization campaign.