On April 27, 1965, Mongolia and the French Republic established diplomatic relations. This year marks the 60th anniversary of that milestone. As part of the commemorative activities, the Institute of International Studies of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, the National University of Mongolia, the Mongolia-France Friendship Association, and the Mongolian Diplomatic Academy jointly organized an academic conference titled “Sixty Years of Mongolia-France Relations” on April 25, 2025, at the "Consensus" Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The conference was formally opened by L. Munkhtushig, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Corinne Pereira Da Silva, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Mongolia, and U. Nyamkhuu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the French Republic. The first session, chaired by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Dr. H. Bekhbat, focused on the historical achievements and future prospects of Mongolia-France political and economic partnerships. Key presentations included, “The Historical Development of Mongolia-France Relations” by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Dr. T. Tumurkhuleg, “The Challenging Path of Political and Diplomatic Relations in the Early Years (1965–1990)” by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary G. Luuzen, “A Concrete Foundation for Partnership: Trade and Economic Relations” by G. Oyunchimeg, Senior Officer at the France-Mongolia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, “Toward Strategic Partnership: An Overview of New-Generation Relations” by Dr. G. Bazarvaani, Senior Researcher at the National Security Council's Institute for Strategic Studies.
The second session, chaired by Dr. D. Zolboo, Director of the Institute of International Studies of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Associate Professor, centered on cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science. Highlights included, “Mongolia-France Scientific Cooperation: The Case of Geophysical Collaboration” by Dr. Ch. Odonbaatar, Director of the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, “Educational Cooperation: French Studies in Mongolia” by Dr. B. Altangul, Professor at the Department of European Studies at the National University of Mongolia, “Cooperation in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Restoration” by Dr. Ts. Torbat, Professor at the same university, “Connections in Health and Humanitarian Sectors” by doctoral candidate Ch. Oyuntogos, “Cooperation in the Field of Culture between Mongolia and France” by Dr. S. Bulgantamir, Professor. At the conclusion of the conference, the session chairs emphasized that the conference provided a comprehensive historical overview of Mongolia-France relations across multiple sectors while also offering valuable insights into the roadmap for future cooperation. The conference proceedings will be compiled and published by the Institute of International Studies.
On the same day, additional events celebrating the 60th anniversary were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the opening of a photographic exhibition showcasing the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries and a ceremony unveiling a commemorative postage stamp. Moreover, a new publication titled “A Sixty-Year Journey at the Crossroads of Past, Present, and Future” was launched at the "Nomin" Hall. This work was compiled and edited under the leadership of Dr. H. Bekhbat, Director of the Mongolian Diplomatic Academy and President of the Mongolia-France Friendship Association, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The publication examines the historical and contemporary development of bilateral cooperation, the dissemination of French culture and language in Mongolia, and contains memoirs of distinguished teachers and senior diplomats who contributed to the relationship, alongside relevant historical documents and photographs.
Prepared by: E. Buyanbileg, Researcher at the Department of Russian Studies
