MONGOLIAN PRIME MINISTER U.KHURELSUKH’S VISIT TO SOUTH KOREA AND PYEONGCHANG WINTER OLYMPICS
Prime Minister of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh will visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) from January 15 to 17. This will be the first overseas business trip of Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh, who took office in October 2017, and ROK is also preparing to welcome its first high-level honorary guest of the year. The Prime Minister’s visit has been scheduled at a very important and busy time, especially now that the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will take place from February 9 to 25 and Paralympic Winter Games from February 9 to 18, which shows the great dedication the government of ROKi s putting in the development of bilateral diplomatic relations between Mongolia and ROK.
Mongolia is doing a ministerial-level visit to ROK for the first time in seven years since former Prime Minister S.Batbold’s visit in March 2011. Through the visit, the two countries will deepen their comprehensive partnership. I’m confident that this time’s visit will contribute to developing a tangible cooperation, efficiently planning the use of the additional grant of 500 USD from the government of ROK, and increasing citizen exchanges.
At present, around 40,000 Mongolians live in ROK. I believe that the stability of the Korean peninsula is directly linked to their safety and that it meets Mongolia's interests as well. Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh’s visit prior to the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics is significant for ensuring the safety of Mongolian expats in ROK and broadening bilateral, sustainable cooperation.
In connection to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the participation of North Korean athletes is at the center of global attention. A high-level meeting took place between North and South Korea on January 9, discussing the participation of North Korean athletes in the upcoming Olympic Games. Having North Korean athletes compete at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will contribute to not only the stability of the Korean Peninsula but also the relation between North and South Korea. Then, the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will become the world-sought Olympic for Peace.
Mongolia's economic situation worsened after its entry to the International Monetary Fund’s program in May 2017, but since then, it has been putting effort to recovering its economy through various means such as successfully releasing the Gerege Bond, increasing export volumes, and raising foreign currency reserves. Maintaining stability in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia at this time will create favorable external environment for the development of the Mongolian economy. Therefore, another reason to successfully host the PyeongChang Winter Olympics is to meet the national interest of Mongolia.
PyeongChang city has wrapped up preparations for hosting the Winter Games and welcoming visitors from all over the world. The stadium for competitions, other required facilities, airport, high-speed train, hotels and everything else has been prepared. Moreover, travel programs that allow you to visit beautiful sites in PyeongChang city and the Gwandong region, see rural development, and taste local specialties will give you an unforgettable experience.
As Mongolian athletes win quotas to take part in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, more and more Mongolians are becoming interested in the Olympic Games. Currently, two athletes have earned qualifications to compete at the cross-country skiing event and another in the para-alpine skiing event. Just the fact that you’re participating in a global event such as the Olympic Games is extremely significant. I hope that many more Mongolian athletes join the Olympic Games and make high achievements in the future.
Both Mongolia and ROK have a wonderful tradition to welcome guests with food and drinks. Just like how Mongolians offer every good thing they have to visitors, PyeongChang city will also offer the same for each and every guest. I invite everyone to come to PyeongChang city and personally experience our warm welcomes.