Lavrov, Mongolian FM discuss trade, economic cooperation

ULAANBAATAR. July 5 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Mongolian counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh have discussed trade, energy affairs and bilateral and multilateral cooperation at talks in Ulaanbaatar.

The bilateral trade turnover reached $2 billion in 2021, and further growth could be achieved, Battsetseg said at a press conference after the meeting.

"Bilateral trade has been rapidly recovering; it grew by a third last year and more than 40% over the first months of this year," Lavrov said.

In the words of Battsetseg, they have exchanged views on a variety of joint projects.

"A gas pipeline from Russia under construction across the Mongolian territory as part of the program creating the Mongolia-Russia-China economic corridor has been going to plan," she said.

Mongolia's broader cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has also been touched upon at the meeting, Lavrov said.

"In general, we are satisfied with the results of negotiations, which have proven the mutual wish of Mongolia and Russia to continue the growth and to unlock the potential of bilateral and multilateral cooperation," he said.