ULAANBAATAR: Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, arrived in Mongolia on Sunday for a brief but significant visit, marking the first time a French president has visited the country. Mongolia, situated between China and Russia, has been gaining strategic importance in the eyes of Western nations. Macron’s visit follows his participation in the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan.
Macron’s plane touched down in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, at approximately 6:30 pm. At the G7 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held the spotlight, addressing Western allies as well as leaders from non-aligned nations such as Brazil and India.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France has intensified its efforts to engage with countries that have not explicitly condemned the invasion. Mongolia is among the nations in this category. During his short stay in Ulaanbaatar, Macron is scheduled to have dinner with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, according to the Elysee Palace.
As part of his visit, Macron will also visit the Genghis Khan Museum, named after the famed 13th-century Mongol conqueror. The museum will lend a portion of its collection to the Nantes History Museum in western France for an exhibition slated for October. Following his evening engagements, Macron will depart for Paris.
“The fact that Mongolia will be on the route back allows us to make this historic first visit and gives it a special meaning,” a source from the Elysee’s entourage stated. They highlighted Mongolia’s unique position, landlocked between Russia and China, and its liberal model of governance. The country is actively seeking to diversify its partnerships, enabling it to strengthen its resilience while navigating relations with its larger neighbors.
France sees potential for cooperation with Mongolia
The French presidency aims to alleviate the constraints faced by Russia’s neighboring countries and provide them with more options in their choices, the source added. At the bilateral level, France sees significant potential for cooperation with Mongolia, particularly in the energy sector. Mongolia is grappling with the challenge of decarbonizing its economy, which relies heavily on coal. France intends to explore avenues for collaboration in this area.
In recent years, Mongolia has garnered increased attention from the United States as part of its strategy to counterbalance China’s influence in the region. Currently, 86% of Mongolia’s total exports are directed to China, with half of that being coal.
Since its adoption of the first democratic constitution in 1992, Mongolia has faced political instability as it emerged from the Soviet sphere of influence. Macron’s visit signifies France’s recognition of Mongolia’s growing significance and a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in various fields.
