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Friday, October 16, 2015
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TRQ closed -1.46% Friday to US$3.04
Turquoise Hill Announces Third Quarter 2015 Production
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - October 15, 2015) - Turquoise Hill Resources (NYSE: TRQ) (NASDAQ: TRQ) (TSX: TRQ) today announced the third quarter 2015 production for Oyu Tolgoi.
Jeff Tygesen, Turquoise Hill Chief Executive Officer, said, "Third quarter mine production at Oyu Tolgoi was at record levels while concentrate produced and contained copper were on par with the previous quarter even considering the planned concentrator shutdown in July. Gold production decreased in the third quarter as a result of lower grades but is expected to increase in the fourth quarter."
During Q3'15, mined production increased 8.5% over Q2'15 due to shorter hauling routes and ongoing productivity initiatives. Copper in concentrates for Q3'15 increased 1.3% due to higher head grades. Gold in concentrates for the quarter decreased 48.5% over Q2'15 due to slower than anticipated access to gold-rich ore. Increased copper and gold production is expected in Q4'15 as higher-grade ore is accessed in the open pit.
Turquoise Hill continues to expect Oyu Tolgoi to produce 175,000 to 195,000 tonnes of copper and 600,000 to 700,000 ounces of gold in concentrates in 2015. The Company expects copper production to be at the top of the range while gold production is expected to be in the middle of the range.
Following the filing of revised schedules for the 2015 Oyu Tolgoi Feasibility Study with the Mongolian Minerals Council in August, pre-start activities are underway in parallel with an update to the capital estimate, which is expected to be completed in Q1'16. Pre-start activities include ramp-up of the owners and EPCM team, re-estimate activities, detailed engineering and early procurement for equipment and materials required for necessary critical works that are key enablers for recommencement of underground lateral development mining activity. The Company continues to expect signing of project financing by the end of 2015 and the decision for underground construction in early Q2'16.
Oyu Tolgoi Production Data
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ERD closed +15.38% Friday to C$0.15
Erdene Reports Multiple High-Grade Gold-Polymetallic Intersections at Altan Nar Discovery Zone, Including 9 m of 9.2 g/t Gold Equivalent(i)
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 15, 2015) - Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) ("Erdene" or "Company") is pleased to announce Q3-2015 infill and expansion drilling results from the Discovery Zone ("DZ") deposit at the Altan Nar Project, Erdene's wholly owned gold-polymetallic project in southwest Mongolia. Today's results continue to expand the high-grade, near-surface mineralization at DZ. The results also provide increased confidence in the potential location for an open pit development and demonstrate excellent expansion potential at depth for this high-priority target. Today's DZ drill results follow the Company's initial resource estimate at Altan Nar released in Q1-2015, positive metallurgical results, which returned high gold recoveries of up to 88% using conventional processing methods, and encouraging drill results and step out trench results from the Union North ("UN") target area of Altan Nar, both released in September 2015.
Highlights(i)
· Continuity of high-grade mineralization at DZ South confirmed with two excellent intersections;
o 38 m of 2.8 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq"), including 9 m of 9.2 g/t AuEq
o 53 m of 2.0 g/t AuEq, including 5.8 m of 7.0 g/t AuEq
· DZ South mineralization remains open at depth
· DZ North drilling returns 22 m of 2.8 g/t AuEq within 40 m of surface
· DZ mineralization remains open at depth and along strike
(i) For details on gold equivalent calculations, see Table 1 below.
…
MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.83%, Turnover ₮8.67 Million Stocks
October 15 (MSE) --
Historic low ₮1,997.26/USD set September 11
BoM MNT Rates: Thursday, October 15 Close
| | 10/15 | 10/14 | 10/13 | 10/12 | 10/9 | 10/8 | 10/7 | 10/6 | 10/5 | 10/2 | 10/1 | 9/30 | 9/29 | 9/28 | 9/25 | 9/24 |
| USD | 1,990.36 | 1,994.64 | 1,994.43 | 1,994.63 | 1,994.45 | 1,993.59 | 1,995.99 | 1,995.06 | 1,996.34 | 1,996.69 | 1,996.27 | 1,996.83 | 1,996.99 | 1,993.89 | 1,996.76 | 1,996.27 |
| EUR | 2,277.57 | 2,277.48 | 2,274.85 | 2,270.69 | 2,258.02 | 2,250.76 | 2,242.30 | 2,237.66 | 2,245.68 | 2,229.90 | 2,242.44 | 2,242.44 | 2,244.22 | 2,231.26 | 2,229.48 | 2,236.32 |
| CNY | 313.67 | 314.31 | 314.81 | 315.61 | 314.32 | 313.83 | 314.03 | 313.88 | 314.09 | 314.14 | 314.07 | 314.16 | 313.81 | 313.02 | 313.16 | 312.86 |
| GBP | 3,078.29 | 3,053.99 | 3,064.04 | 3,064.55 | 3,061.98 | 3,056.77 | 3,048.97 | 3,022.91 | 3,041.82 | 3,024.09 | 3,021.16 | 3,026.00 | 3,032.63 | 3,032.31 | 3,042.96 | 3,048.00 |
| RUB | 31.98 | 31.59 | 32.05 | 32.71 | 32.34 | 32.02 | 31.85 | 30.59 | 30.40 | 30.28 | 30.70 | 30.41 | 30.17 | 30.37 | 30.32 | 30.05 |
Bank rates at time of sending: TDB (Buy ₮1,986 Sell ₮1,995), Khan (Buy ₮1,986 Sell ₮1,995), Golomt (Buy ₮1,986 Sell ₮1,995), XacBank (Buy ₮1,988 Sell ₮1,995), State Bank (Buy ₮1,986 Sell ₮1,995)
MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:
BoM FX auction: US$1.1 million sold at ₮1,994, accepts $12.5m MNT swap offers
October 15 (BoM) On the Foreign Exchange Auction held on October 15th, 2015 the BoM has received bid offers of USD 2.65 million in a rate between MNT 1989.00-1994.21, bid offers of CNY 14.15 million in a rate between MNT 312.51-313.30 and selling bid offers of CNY 4.0 million in a rate with MNT 314.19 from local commercial banks. The BoM sold USD 1.1 million in a closing rate of MNT 1994.00.
On October 15th, 2015, The BoM has received USD Forward agreement selling bid offer equivalent to USD 25.0 million and USD Swap agreement bid offer equivalent to USD 20.0 million and MNT Swap agreement bid offer equivalent to USD 12.3 million from local commercial banks and the BoM has accepted the offer of MNT Swap agreement.
Mongolia's Foreign Trade Review, September 2015
October 15 (Bank of Mongolia) --
Total trade turnover: $6,397.7 millions
As of Sep 2015 the total cumulative trade turnover decreased by 20.7% (USD 1,670.4 millions) from that of the previous year and reached USD 6,397.7 millions. The decrease in the trade turnover was mainly due to the decrease in imports by USD 1,189.5 millions.
The structure of the trade flows with the neighboring trade partners is as following: (i) trade with PRC: 63.0% or USD 4,029.8 millions and (ii) trade with Russia: 12.9% or USD 825.0 millions. The trade volume between Mongolia and China decreased by 18.3% and the trade volume between Mongolia while Russia decreased by 33.1%.
Trade balance: $684.2 million
As of Sep 2015, the cumulative trade balance improved by USD 708.6 millions from that of the previous year and reached USD 684.2 millions. During the reporting period even though the total exports decreased by 12.0% from that of the previous year, imports decreased by 29.4% from that of the previous year, thus the trade balance improved by USD 708.6 millions.
The three-month moving average value of the difference between annual growth rates of exports and imports started to decline since the beginning of 2015. The high export growth rate during 2014 was due to the exports of copper concentrate and it started to stabilize.
Trade balance of paid trade flows: $878.9 million
The state of the trade balance of paid trade flows is one of the main variables that determines the pressure on the domestic foreign exchange market.
As of Sep 2015, the trade balance of paid trade flows reached USD 878.9 millions. During the reporting period, paid imports decreased by 30.9%, and paid exports decreased by 12.5% from that of previ-ous year.
Terms of trade: 1.249 (test estimation)
As of Sep 2015, terms of trade index (2012 base year) decreased by 21.2% from that of the previous year and reached 1.249.
This increase in the terms of trade is mainly attributed to the de-crease in export price of copper concentrate, iron ore and crude oil.
EXPORT
Composition: 86% + 14%
The share of mineral exports in total exports maintained at the close level as the previous year.
Exports of coal, copper concentrate, iron ore and concentrate and crude oil have a weight of nearly 74% of total exports and 85% of mining exports.
In addition, these 4 products' share in the mining exports de-creased by 4.0 points from that of the previous year, share in the total exports decreased by 4.0 points.
Growth: -12.0%
Mongolian export decreased by 12.0% from that of the previous year, which was mainly affected by decrease in commodity prices.
Exports of copper concentrate increased by 2%, which accounted for 1% in growth of mining export. On the other hand, coking coal, iron ore and crude oil export decreased by nearly 32%, 48% and 41% respectively, which accounted for 16% decrease in the growth of mining export.
Changes
As of Sep 2015, Mongolian export decreased by 480.9 million USD from that of the previous year. It is affected by the increase of export commodities' quantities (USD 197.5 millions) and decrease in export commodities' prices (USD 678.4 millions) .
Because of the increase in quantity of crude oil, nonmonetary gold and copper concentrate export, mining export increased by 346 millions USD. On the other hand, because of decrease in prices of mineral exports, mining export declined by 599 million USD.
Cashmere, cashmere products' export decreased by 39 million USD, while other exports increased by 10 million USD.
World market prices for primary commodities
As of Sep 30 2015, gold price reached 1,115.9 USD, decreased by 7.7% from that of the previous year and decreased by 1.5% from that of the last month.
As of Sep 30 2015, copper and iron ore prices reached 5,176.4 USD and 56.0 USD. Copper price increased by 0.6% from that of previous month and decreased by 23.0% from that of previous year. Iron ore price stayed at the same level as previous month and decreased by 28.2% from that of previous year.
IMPORT
Composition: 29% + 38% + 19%
As of Sep 2015, 29% of total imports were consumer goods, 38% were capital goods and 19% were fuels.
Share of the capital goods in total imports decreased by 4% from that of the previous year, while the share of consumer goods im-port increased by 4%.
Growth: -29.4%
Mongolian imports decreased by 29.4% from that of the previous year. Main contributors of this decrease were capital goods de-crease, which equals to 15% of the total decrease and fuel imports which equals to 8% of the total decrease.
Capital goods and petroleum products imports decreased by 35% (597 millions USD) and 38% (327 millions USD) respectively. Thus total import decreased from that of the previous year.
Breakdown
Main contributors of decrease in consumer goods import were both in durables and non-durables. Passenger cars import de-creased by 29% (82 millions USD) and foods import decreased by 17% (63 millions USD).
Capital goods import decreased by 35% (597 millions USD) which was mainly contributed by 36% decrease in machinery, equipment and supplies (315 million USD). In addition, import of construction materials decreased by 38% (240 million USD) from that of previous year.
Intermediate goods and industrial materials import decreased by 14% (63 millions USD).
Fuels import decreased by 38% (327 millions USD). The border price of oil has been decreasing since the end of 2013 (Figure 8). In parallel with global oil market price, it declined sharply during last few months.
Import of the consumer goods
The growth of consumer goods import, calculated by 3 month moving average method, is constantly declining. /Figure 7/.
Even though, the import growth of non-durable consumer goods was relatively stable, it started to decline by bigger phase in last 6 months.
DP MPs rumored to be forming new political party
October 15 (gogo.mn) It is rumored that High Court of Mongolia registered a new political party on last Thursday. The newly registered political party is called "Development Party". MPs N.Altankhuyag, Kh.Temuujin, L.Bold, Ts.Oyungerel and other current "Democratic Party" members are believed to be the founding members of the party.
According to the source, the registration of "Development Party" has been highly classified so far. Press and PR Department of High Court responded that we are not familiar with the matter, which is not included in the session agenda.
The source also mentioned that the registration request of "Development Party" was accepted on Thursday, when resubmitted after the initial rejection on Monday.
MP Ganbat D. Appointed Chairman of Legal Standing Committee
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) At its plenary meeting on Thursday, the parliamentary session discussed an issue of selecting a new head of the Standing committee on justice.
With 80.4% votes of parliamentarians at the plenary meeting, D.Ganbat MP was elected as the head of the parliamentary Standing committee on justice.
The same day, majority of MPs considered as necessity to discuss a draft amendment to the law on excise tax as well as a draft amendment to the 1999 parliamentary resolution on approving sizes of customs tax on import products at parliament.
A draft amendment to the law on stamp duty was not backed.
PBS "Charlie Rose" Interview with Elbegdorj Tsakhia - TRANSCRIPT
2015-10-14 11:13:36.570 GMT
PBS "Charlie Rose" Interview with Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, Regarding Politics and Government
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Subject: Mongolia's Government and Politics
Participants: Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia; Charlie Rose, PBS Host
Time: 23:00:00
Date: 2015-10-13
CHARLIE ROSE, PBS HOST: Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has been president of Mongolia since 2009. He previously served as prime minister in 1998 and again from 2004 to 2006. He is considered one of the principal architects of democracy in his country. He was one of the leaders of the 1990 revolution that ended 70 years of communist rule in Mongolia and co-drafted the country's 1992 constitution.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mongolia's transition to democracy.
And so therefore I am very pleased to have the President at this table for the first time. Welcome.
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ, PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA: Thank you very much. This is the (inaudible). When we meet in Mongolia, we give to each other. It's a way greet. We ask how is the weather? How is your family? In Mongolia, horses are very popular. We ask how are your horses? And you smell and give me back.
CHARLIE ROSE: I smell it and give it back to you.
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: Yes. That's the way to begin conversation.
CHARLIE ROSE: Very well. I'm pleased to be part of your culture and your tradition.
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: Great. Yes, thank you.
CHARLIE ROSE: You have come a long way to the United Nations.
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: Yes.
CHARLIE ROSE: What do you hope to accomplish while here?
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: You know, this year is the 70 anniversary of the U.N.
I think the 70th anniversary because of that, I think the world has the best 70 years. I concluded that because we are much healthier. There were no big wars, and people much educated, and we had a good 70 years. I hope for a good 70 years again.
CHARLIE ROSE: How's your relationship with Russia?
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: Very good.
CHARLIE ROSE: And China?
TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ: Very good. We used to live next to each other for centuries. One time Mongolia was a big power. And now I think there is no disputes -- no political disputes, no border disputes, no territorial disputes.
…
Mongolia Pres. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj: Charlie Rose
October 15 (Bloomberg) On "Charlie Rose," a conversation with Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. He has been President of Mongolia since 2009 and is considered one of the principal architects of democracy in his country. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Mongolia's transition to Democracy.
2014 International Religious Freedom Report: Mongolia
October 15, 2015 (U.S. Embassy) --
Executive Summary
The constitution recognizes "freedom of conscience and religion" as a fundamental freedom of citizens and prohibits state institutions from engaging in religious activities and religious institutions from pursuing political activities. The religion law requires religious institutions to register with authorities and broadly describes registration procedures, leaving most specifics of implementation to the discretion of local authorities. Registration practices varied across the country. Some religious groups complained of difficulties obtaining and renewing registration, with the absence of clear rules leaving the process subject to the personal biases of individual officials.
Christian leaders reported the public viewed Christians in an increasingly positive light, although they also reported instances of discrimination and harassment stemming from a view that Christianity was "foreign."
U.S. embassy officials discussed religious freedom with government officials at all levels, including during meetings with high-level officials in the president's office, parliamentarians, and other authorities in the capital city. Embassy officials met regularly with religious leaders across the country to discuss religious freedom.
Section I. Religious Demography>
The U.S. government estimates the total population at 3 million (July 2014 estimate). Buddhism remains closely linked with the country's cultural traditions, with 53 percent of citizens self-identifying as Buddhist, according to the 2010 national census. In the census, 38.6 percent of citizens self-identified as atheists. Local scholars, however, assert that more than 90 percent of the population subscribes in some degree to Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is the traditional and dominant religion.
According to the census, 3 percent of citizens nationwide self-identify as Muslim, and Muslims constitute 80 percent of the population of the primarily ethnic Kazakh western province of Bayan-Olgiy. The Mongolian Muslim Association states there are approximately 130,000 Kazakh Muslims (mostly in Bayan-Olgiy) and 20,000 Khoton Muslims residing primarily in the province of Uvs, which in total would constitute approximately 5 percent of the country's population.
There is a small but growing population of Christians. According to the 2010 national census, 2 percent of the population is Christian. At the time of a 2011 governmental national study, 4.7 percent of the 2,500 individuals surveyed were Christian. The majority of Christians are Protestant. Other Christians include members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and very small communities of Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Some citizens practice the spiritual healing traditions of shamanism, often in tandem with another religion. The 2010 census estimated that 2.9 percent of the population practiced shamanism. According to a 2011 government survey of 2,500 people, 6 percent of those surveyed self-identified as shamanists, while 8.6 percent responded they practiced shamanism alongside Buddhism. Some scholars suggest the practice of shamanism has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, although many Mongolians have long practiced elements of traditional shamanist practice in combination with other religions.
Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom
…
Germany's Aurubis Signs 15-Year Copper Deal With MAK
By Michael Kohn
October 15 (Bloomberg) -- Germany's Aurubis AG signs deal with Mongolyn Alt Corp. for 150,000t copper concentrate a year for 15 years, Michaela Hessling, Aurubis executive director for corporate communications, says by e-mail
* First delivery planned for late 2017: Hessling
* NOTE: Mongolyn is developing Tsagaan Suvarga copper project with annual production of 310,000t
* Building of mine is 30% complete; construction expected to recommence in spring of 2016 pending resolution of financing, Herlenbayar Yura, Mongolyn's director of project management department, says by phone
(BFW)
MAK signs copper supply agreement with Aurubis, strategic partnership with Ferrostaal, Euro Khan
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) On the sidelines of the state visit of the President of Germany, an agreement between Mongolian "Erdenes Tsagaan Suvarga" LLC and Aurubis AG – copper recycling company of Germany on copper supply, and a strategic partnership agreement between Mongolia's Mongolyn Alt Corporation (MAK) and Ferrostaal Mongolia, which is Euro Khan LLC were signed October 15. Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg and other related officials were present.
The agreements were inked by G.Tsogt, executive director of "Erdenes Tsagaan Suvarga" LLC, Tim Kurth, executive director of Aurubis, B.Nyamtaishir, president of MAK and Oliver Schnorr, president of Euro Khan – Ferrostaal Mongolia.
Chinese-Mongolian food expo to be held in Hohhot, October 23-27
October 15 (gogo.mn) Chinese - Mongolian expo to be held on October 23-27 at Hohhot, China.
Mongolian 35 food industries to participate at the expo and to introduce their products.
Moreover, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to organize International Horse Forum, Mongolian-Chinese Meat Industry Cooperation Meeting and the international Dairy Industry Development Forum.
The governments of Mongolia and China decided to organize a Mongolian-Chinese Expo with the aim to deepen relations in all sectors including trade, economy, education, culture, science, agriculture and tourism.
City Council will not discuss MPP's demand to dismiss Mayor E.Bat-Uul
October 15 (gogo.mn) MPP Group at City Council submitted official letter to dismiss City Mayor E.Bat-Uul.
MPP believes that City Mayor E.Bat-Uul must be responsible for insufficient spending of MNT 410 billion for three years such as letting his son's company to claim tenders.
Head of City Council D.Battulga responded to the official letter;
"According to the Law of Mongolia, if not less than one-third of the meeting representatives of City Council sign the official letter to dismiss City Mayor and submit it to the Head of City Council, the matter of dismissal will be discussed within 15 days and finalized by voting. However, this official letter failed to be signed by more than one-third of the meeting representatives and is not effective to be discussed at the plenary session."
Moreover, Head of City Council D.Battulga stated that there are total of 40 meeting representatives at City Council of which 14 of them are MPP representatives. However, 12 MPP representatives signed the official letter to dismiss City Mayor, which does not meet the requirements that more than one-third of the representatives of City Council have to sign. We must manage matters in alignment with the law.
Mayor meets construction companies working on Ger Area Redevelopment Project
October 15 (gogo.mn) In scope of Ger Area Housing Project, City Governor and Mayor E.Bat-Uul met with the directors of the construction companies and exchanged views with them.
Under Ger Area Housing Project, redevelopment program is being conducted with citizen participation and as of third quarter of 2015, 2744 meeting and training sessions with attendees of 77,260 citizens have been organized and as a result, 1099 city councils involving 21,983 citizens have been established.
Land redevelopment refers to establishing cooperation between landowners /citizens and legal entities/ and developers /companies/; landowners are able to invest into a project suggested by developers through their lands, whilst enhancing the land values by satisfying both parties' interests.
Temporary city councils involving 7241 citizens were established at 09 hectares of land in following khoroo(s) in order to implement Ger Area Housing Project through ger area redevelopment program.
- 17th khoroo of Chingiltei district
- 11th khoroo of Suhbaatar district
- 13th khoroo of Suhbaatar district
- 27th khoroo of Bayanzurh district
- 23rd khoroo of Songinohairhan district
- 19th khoroo of Bayanzurh district
- 9th khoroo of Han-Uul district
Majority of above citizens have submitted the proposal to build a house connected with infrastructure at their land while some residents interested to sell their land at suitable price or replace with housing. Therefore, voting whether to build house or housing at the land will be managed among every citizens.
Thus, City Mayor met with heads of construction companies and called for them to cooperate on this program. Moreover, he noted that citizens act as employers for the companies. Therefore, the company chosen by the citizen must respect their interests and requests on the planning and the city will provide necessary financial support in accordance with the law.
License plate restrictions enter winter schedule from today
October 15 (gogo.mn) Limiting automobile travel by its number in the city shifts into winter schedule, starting on October 15. In winter schedule, number of roads covered by rules is reduced, informed Public Relations and Press Division of Capital City Administration.
According to the resolution approved by the administration, the schedule of the limitation rules will apply to daily hours of 08.00 - 20.00 regardless of seasons. During the summer times, number of roads included in the rules is increases, while it is to be reduced when it shifts to winter schedule.
/The photo above explains/
Yellow line: the roads where the rules apply
Black line: the roads where the rules do not apply
Red circle: the ends of the roads where the rules apply, which includes /the north: 32nd crossroad, Dari-Ekh crossroad, safety island section in front of University of Technology & Science, Tasgan Hill crossroad, final bus stop at 3rd and 4rd districts,the west: Sapporo bus stop, IV power station crossroad, the south: 120 thousand district crossroad, Dunjingarav market crossroad, the east: Officer palace crossroad, Chuluun Ovoo crossroad./
Shinzo Abe to visit Mongolia on October 22 – reports
October 15 (news.mn) There is unofficial information, that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make a short one-day official visit to Mongolia on 22nd October. During his visit, Shinzo Abe will meet Mongolian President Ts.Elbegdorj will receive Prime Minister, to discuss the implementation and intensification of the Economic Partnership between the two countries. In addition, there is information that Japan's "Sumitomo Corporation" is to be an investor of "TavanTolgoi".
German president in Mongolia for talks on raw materials, China
Ulan Bator, October 15 (dpa) - German President Joachim Gauck was in resource-rich Mongolia Thursday for political talks as part of his Asian trip.
He was received with military honours by President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj in the capital Ulan Bator.
Gauck was scheduled to speak with students and teachers at the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology.
The college was founded in 2011 as a contribution to the raw materials partnership between the two countries.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has provided 4 million euros (4.6 million dollars) for the project until 2016. There are currently around 75 students and some German teachers.
Mongolia is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of raw materials especially coal, copper, gold, uranium and rare earths that are used in the production of mobile phones among other products.
The country's economy is largely dependent on exports to China.
Mongolia is around four and a half times larger than Germany with a population of around 3 million people, making it the least densely populated country in the world.
Mongolian, German Presidents Hold Press Briefing Following Talks
October 15 (President.mn) After the official talks, President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Joachim Gauck made joint statement to press and media.
President Elbegdorj noted:
"Your Excellency, Federal President Joachim Gauck,
Distinguished guests and representatives of media,
Upon my invitation, the Federal President Joachim Gauck is paying a State Visit to Mongolia. This visit is coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the first, free, democratic elections held in Mongolia.
Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany for supporting and assisting Mongolia's transition to democracy from the early beginning.
The bilateral relationship between Mongolia and Germany has been intensifying in the last few weeks. Recently, the Mongolia-German Economic Committee meeting was successfully held. In addition, our working group on establishing a Joint Agreement on Cooperation in mineral resource, industry and technology is hosting its 4th meeting. Also, the Mongolia-German inter-Governmental consultative meeting on the Partnership Development Policy will took place next Monday.
I have just had official talks with His Excellency, Federal President Joachim Gauck and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual relations and partnership. During this visit, an agreement was established between the scientific organizations of the both countries. An important agreement on copper concentrate was signed between a German company and Mongolia's private entities. Both sides have signed agreement on establishing oil production and lubrication oil plant, which is also very important. It is important that Federal President is to meet with Prime Minister and representatives of business organization of Mongolia.
On the sidelines of the State Visit, Federal President Joachim Gauck is scheduled to visit Mongolia's ancient capital Kharkhorin. At the site of Kharkhorin, an archeological excavation has been carried out under the auspices of the Presidents of the both countries. Moreover, Federal President Joachim Gauck will visit the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology.
In conclusion, I heartily welcome Your Excellency Mr. President Joachim Gauck to Mongolia. I wish you and your delegation a memorable and successful visit. Thank you".
Related:
OFFICIAL TALKS HELD BETWEEN MONGOLIA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY – President.mn, October 15
PRESIDENT ELBEGDORJ HOLDS MEETING WITH FEDERAL PRESIDENT JOACHIM GAUCK – President.mn, October 15
OFFICIAL WELCOMING CEREMONY FOR FEDERAL PRESIDENT JOACHIM GAUCK HELD – President.mn, October 15
Mongolia, Germany sign scientific cooperation and copper concentrate supply agreements
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) As a follow-up to the official talks, the presidents of Mongolia and the Federal Republic of Germany made a press briefing about the issues, discussed during the individual meeting and the official talks.
Accordingly, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the key scientific institutions of the two countries, and an agreement on supplying copper concentrate from Mongolian private entities to Germany were signed on the occasion of this state visit. Also, an agreement is being concluded by Mongolian and German companies on building lubricant plants.
Noting that the state visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first democratic election of Mongolia, President Ts.Elbegdorj wanted to express gratitude for Germany's consistent support for Mongolia's democracy.
Federal president Joachim Gauk intends to hold meeting with business people. He will be visiting the first capital city of Mongolia Kharkhorin, where an archaeological expedition is taking place under auspices of the presidents of Mongolia and Germany. Mr Gauk also noted he will get acquainted with the activities of the German Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT), located near Nalaikh city, Mongolia.
Mr Gauk recalled that the President Ts.Elbegdorj paid a visit to Germany in 2012, becoming his first state guest as the president of Germany. "I had a pleasant opportunity of meeting with Mr Ts.Elbegdorj once again last March. This year marks both 25th anniversaries of unification of Germany and of Mongolia's peaceful transition to democracy", he said.
Contribution of President Ts.Elbegdorj to the democratic movement in Mongolia is highly recognized in Germany, noted the German president.
"It is important to strengthen the scientific cooperation between the two countries for the future of the two peoples", he added.
He went on mentioning the opportunities to enhance the bilateral trade turnover through energy and mining cooperation, and about how Mongolian and German troops are participating shoulder-to-shoulder in the international peacekeeping operations.
Heartfelt respect goes from Germany to Mongolia for standing firm on its democratic ways, given its location sandwiched between such great powers as Russia and China. "Mongolia deserves the respect", he noted and promised further support of Germany for Mongolia's path.
PM Saikhanbileg pays courtesy call on German President
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister of Mongolia Mr Ch.Saikhanbileg was received Thursday by Mr Joachim Gauck, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), who is paying a state visit here.
The Premier thanked the Germany's President for visiting Mongolia, and hoped that this visit will give impetus to brining the bilateral relations and cooperation into a new volume.
Mongolia considers the FRG as its main partner in Europe and attaches a great importance to the ties and cooperation with Germany, the Premier emphasized, and added the countries are possible to enrich their relations and cooperation with economic contents.
The FRG President Mr Gauck expressed his satisfaction with paying the state visit to Mongolia, and said he is hopeful the mutual visits of the two countries will contribute to widening the bilateral relations and cooperation.
Gauck lauds Mongolia as 'example' of democracy in the region
October 15 (AFP/dpa for DW) Germany's president has praised democratic progress in Mongolia, holding it up as a model example for neighboring Russia and China. Gauck is wrapping up a nearly week-long trip to East Asia.
German President Joachim Gauck said Thursday that he was impressed by Mongolia's efforts to "strengthen democracy and the rule of law."
"Your country is now in a position to give a good example of fair and free elections in the region," he said, adding that it was clear Mongolia "respects the principles of democracy, even if it's not always easy."
Unlike China and Russia, Gauck said, Mongolia had "chosen democracy and a market economy," and would have Germany's support in future development.
Earlier in the day, Gauck was received with military honors by President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (above, left) in the capital, Ulan Bator. Gauck also met with students and teachers at the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology, founded in 2013 as part of a raw materials partnership between the two countries.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has contributed 4 million euros ($4.6 million) to the project, which aims to train specialists in the mineral resource sector.
Rich in resources
Mongolia - more than four times the size of Germany and home to around 3 million people - is the world's least densely populated country. It also has a wealth of raw materials, with huge deposits of coal, copper, gold, uranium and rare earths. The country is largely dependent on exports to China, and resource-driven economic growth has started to slacken in recent years.
Behind the UK, Germany is Mongolia's principal trading partner in the European Union. During his visit, Gauck said he hoped to improve cooperation between Germany and Mongolia in several fields, including science, culture and research.
For decades, Mongolia was a tightly controlled satellite of the Soviet Union. But with the end of the Cold War, the country underwent a peaceful democratic revolution and subsequently introduced a multi-party political system and market economy.
Gauck's Asia trip ends Friday with a visit to the archaeological site of Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. German funding has supported joint excavations at the site for the past two decades.
Senior CPC official holds banquet for DP chairman and delegates in Beijing
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) A delegation led by Mr Z.Enkhbold, Parliament Speaker and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Mongolia, was received Wednesday by Mr Wang Jiarui, director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and deputy head of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Mr Wang expressed thanks to the Mongolian delegation for taking part in the "Asian Political Parties' Special Conference on the Silk Road" in Beijing.
In response, Mr Enkhbold expressed said he is glad to meet with Mr Wang as being the Democratic Party (DP) Chairman of Mongolia. He underlined that the visit of the Deputy Minister of the International Liaison Department of the CCPC to Mongolia was an expression of a sustainable development of the bilateral friendly relations and cooperation.
Expressing his satisfaction with an intensive development of the Mongolia-China friendly relations and cooperation in all spheres, the Speaker underlined boosting a sustainable development of the friendly ties and mutually-beneficial cooperation with China is one of the priorities of the Mongolia's foreign policy.
The dignitaries discussed issues of implementing developmental strategies of the two countries, and confirmed that the countries have faced a requirement of sharing information and experiences in working out policies and directions between the political parties.
"Although political parties in Mongolia have their own ideologies and views, they bear a general position on developing long-term and friendly relations and cooperation with China," Mr Enkhbold highlighted.
The Speaker also expressed his satisfaction with boosting of the ties and cooperation between the DP and the Communist Party of China (CPC), and hoped that the inter-party cooperation and exchange will broaden. Mr Wang Jiarui supported ideas of the Speaker.
Present at the meeting were Mr Ts.Sukhbaatar, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to China; G.Batkhuu, S.Odontuya MPs; L.Erkhembayar, Acting Secretary-General of the DP; and other officials.
Following the meeting, Mr Wang Jiarui held a banquet with the delegation of Mongolia.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid swears in new UAE ambassador to Mongolia
October 15 (The National) Six new UAE ambassadors to friendly countries have been sworn in before Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Those who took the oath of office were UAE Ambassadors-designate Ahmed Al Bana to India, Mohammed Al Awadi to Peru, Gazi Al Mahri to Ethiopia, Abdullah Al Tunaiji to Mongolia, Khaled Omran to Japan and Badr Al Matrouchi to Cuba.
Joint Outreach to Umnugovi and Dundgovi Provinces to Promote U.S. Government Programs in Mongolia
Oct'15 -- U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar Consular and Public Affairs Sections representatives conducted a joint outreach trip to Umnugovi and Dundgovi provinces. From September 29 to October 2, they met with local government officials and secondary and polytechnic college teachers and students.
Consular Chief Thomas Venner held meetings with local government leaders, police, and hospitals to discuss future collaboration and issues concerning American citizens living in the region. He also spoke with technical school and high school student groups about the visa application process. Public Affairs section representative D. Badamsambuu introduced educational and cultural programs offered by the Embassy, such as Fulbright, Global UGRAD, and Study of the U.S. Institutes.
Over the last year, the Consular Section has conducted outreach trips to 11 of 21 Mongolian provinces in collaboration with the Public Affairs Section.
Mongolia reiterates stance for nuclear proliferation at UNGA First Committee debate
Ulaanbaatar, October 15 (MONTSAME) Representing Mongolia, director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms G.Battungalag gave a speech at a general debate of the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security held October 9 within the 2015 UN General Assembly running in New York, USA.
In her speech, expressing a position of Mongolia, Ms Battungalag mentioned that the UN has confirmed its vital role in ensuring global peace and security and maintaining international legal principles. Ensuring the world's peace and security has become a priority of nations, she added.
As a country with the nuclear weapon-free status, Mongolia steadily supports goals on disarmament and proliferation of nuclear weapons, Ms Battungalag noted and affirmed her country's position about significance of running active talks on disarmament, fulfilling contracts on proliferation of nuclear weapons as well as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and strengthening efforts of the member states for realizing the treaty.
In conjunction with a decision of Mongolia on maintaining a permanent status of neutrality, Ms Battungalag pointed out that Mongolia representatives are formulating a draft resolution on the issue to be submitted to the UN General Assembly, and hoped the UN members will back this resolution.
Feature Article: Bringing Back the Bankhars
October 13 (U.S. Embassy) For the longest time in Mongolia, talk of dogs conjured a mental image of a large shaggy dog with a thick black coat, floppy ears, curly tail and orange-brown spots above the eyes. The Bankhar has long symbolized Mongolia's nomadic culture. Once a Mongolian herder's closest friend, it was also a guardian who protected the herd from thieves and predators. Nowadays, the Bankhar may only be an animal people faintly remember from countryside summers. But all that is changing.
The Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project (MBDP) is a U.S.-Mongolian NGO that is reintroducing Bankhars to nomadic families. Recently U.S. Embassy staffer D.Badamsambuu interviewed Greg Goodfellow, the project's scientist-in-residence. The first thing Badamsambuu wanted to know was what is so special about a large dog that just hangs around the herd all day. Greg told him that the Bankhar is so big and intimidating it keeps away predators that attack livestock. Without Bankhars, the only other option herders have to protect their livestock is to kill those predators. Therefore, Bankhars protect the herd and also Mongolia's other ecologically important animals, such as wolves and snow leopards. The Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project focuses on giving Bankhar puppies to families in areas where those animals mainly live – Khustai, Gorkhi Terelj, and South Gobi.
According to Greg, the Bankhars are not a breed of dog, but rather a "landrace" that evolved naturally over time to adapt to Mongolia's environment. Because Mongolian livestock and Bankhar have co-existed for thousands of years, they bond easily. When Bankhar females give birth, the MBDP team places sheep alongside the pups and as the dogs mature with sheep and goats, they become like family.
The Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project was started by an American named Bruce Elfström in 2012 (how he had the idea is another interesting story). Since then, MBDP has given 15 puppies to nomadic herder families. Greg came to Mongolia a few months ago to and will study how the Bankhars adapt to their new homes. As part of the study, MBDP will distribute a survey to learn more about Bankhar behaviors and habits and collect scientific herd data.
To learn more about the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project, visit bankhar.org.
Feds accuse Colorado man of smuggling valuable dinosaur fossils from China, Mongolia into US
BOULDER, Colo., October 14 (FOX31 Denver) — A Boulder man was busted by the feds for smuggling dinosaur fossils.
They can sell for a high price on the black market – and that's exactly what the government said Charles Magovern, 67, was trying to do.
Walter Moran, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), said Magovern took part in a conspiracy with several others, in which the fossils were imported into the U.S. by mislabeling and hiding them within legitimate cargo.
They are dinosaur fossils you'd normally see in a museum.
"People with disposable incomes want to buy show pieces and have them on display," said Moran.
But he said Macgovern smuggled seven fossils from China and Mongolia to sell to consumers on the black market.
"He specifically planned on selling fossils that were illegally excavated and imported out of China and illegally imported into the United States. He was going to sell these fossils in Jackson, Wyoming and Vail, Colorado," said Moran.
The 67-year-old wasn't at his Boulder home in the 4000 block of 57th Street when we stopped by Wednesday night.
He and his wife run a business called The Stone Company which claims to sell museum quality fossils to jewelry shops, galleries, collectors and museums throughout the U.S. and abroad.
"Some people buy cars. Some people buy dinosaur bones," said Moran.
He said Macgovern bought four micro-raptors that roamed China 128 million years ago and valued at up to $45,000 each.
Another specimen, a Protoceratops, is up to 86 million years old and is worth about $250,000.
And the oldest, Anchiornis Huxley, dates back 161 million years and costs $100,000.
"That's the bottom line is profit," said Moran.
HSI says it's a lot of money. But the damage to the scientific community is even more costly.
You're talking about these prehistoric fossils that are being illegally excavated in China and Mongolia without any knowledge of the paleontologists that are studying it in their respective countries so obviously, adversely impacts their research," said Moran.
As part of a plea deal in Wyoming District Court, Magovern was sentenced to one-year supervised probation, a $100 fine, and he had to return the seven fossils.
After this case is over, the feds will return the fossils to China and Mongolia.
FISU Inspects Mongolia's Bid to Host 2033 Winter Universiade
ULAANBAATAR, October 15 (FISU) - A 'Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU) was signed on 16 October, 2014, between the city Ulaanbaatar, represented by Mr. Bat-Uul E., the City Mayor; Mr. Bayasgalan D., the President of NUSF Mongolia with FISU, represented by Mr. Claude-Louis Gallien, FISU President and Mr. Eric Saintrond, FISU Secretary General/CEO, where the City of Ulaanbaatar has the intention to organise the 2033 Winter Universiade and where both sides agreed to cooperate in the frame of the '2033 Winter Universiade – Ulaanbaatar Project'. Within the framework of this MoU, Mr. Milan Augustin, Director of the Winter Universiade and Mr. Roger Roth, Chair of the FISU International Technical Committee of the FISU Winter Universiade visited Ulaanbaatar from 6 to 10 October, 2015.
The inspection visit was divided into three parts. First of all, the Winter Universiade Organisation workshop was held in the City Hall of Ulaanbaatar. Active presence at the seminar of about 60 representatives from 20 different institutions and universities, the Ministry of Health and Sports, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, City Government department of Sports, NUSF Mongolia and the National winter sports federations (NSF) was noted. FISU delegates gave information about FISU, the Universiade and the Minimum Requirements for a Winter Universiade. The WU workshop was a successful event, with a dynamic participation from the attendees who were actively interacting and sincerely desiring to organise a Winter Universiade in their home country in the near future.
In addition, the FISU Winter Universiade delegates met with high-placed authorities of Mongolia and the City Government. Separate meetings were held with Mr. Enkhtsengel Ts., the Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar City and the Head of the working group for the future Winter Universiade; Mr. Boldbaatar T., the Deputy Minister of Health and Sports of Mongolia; Mr. Bayasgalan, the President of the Mongolian Students Sports Federation and Treasurer of FISU and Mr. Odbayar O., the Chairman of the Department of Capital city planning of City hall, together with the department's staff, Presidents and Secretary-Generals of the national winter sports federations of Mongolia.
Finally, the inspection visit continued with visiting some proposed venues for building sports facilities and acquainting with the concept drawings of a Universiade Village that will be built in the future. The visited venues included the 'Sky Alpine Resort' in Bogd Khaan mountain area, 'Buyant Ukhaa Sports Palace' which was assessed for the possibility of using it for ice hockey purposes, 'Khandgait Resort' ice rink inspection, outdoor speed skating stadium, cross country skiing and biathlon areas for building snow sports facilities. The FISU delegates also travelled to 'Berkh Mountain' in Gachuurt village to assess the possibilities of alpine skiing facilities that will be constructed for the future and a Universiade Village area for student campus 'Nalaikh' in Khonkhor area.
During their visit, the delegates discussed about a future collaboration between FISU and the City Government of Ulaanbaatar, share their experiences, to exchange on working plans to prepare for the Universiade, evaluate conditions on site, define some other arrangements with FISU in the forthcoming years, including advise on the venue constructions to be built in Ulaanbaatar in the frame of the '2033 Winter Universiade' project while the local parties will do some research on opportunities to organise FISU World University Championships such as speed skating and ski orienteering in Ulaanbaatar, as interim steps to comply with FISU standards and ISF rules.
At the end of the inspection, the FISU representatives issued the 'Official Recommendations' to Mr. Enkhtsengel Ts., Deputy Mayor Ulaanbaatar City, Head of the working group for future Winter Universiade to give the necessary suggestions for further processing to the authorities of the City Government, which included the outcome of their visit. According to the recommendations, a study team will be formed which will work on the organisation of the Winter Universiade while learning from the experiences of other cities which hosted and/or will host the Universiade in the future. Also, the FISU delegates recommended infrastructure facilities should be build close to the city and be available for general use afterwards, as a legacy after the Universiade.
Finally, the FISU WU delegates completed their three-day visit in Ulaanbaatar assessing that the City of Ulaanbaatar is potential candidate for the Winter Universiade in terms of its weather conditions, natural environment and territory if the team would focus on the long term concept.
(Source: D. Jargalsaikhan, Secretary-General MSSF)
World Music Concert opens State Philharmonic's 44th season today
October 15 (gogo.mn) Under the opening of 44th season of Mongolian State Philharmonic Orchestra, "Classical Music" project is being implemented with the aim to promote and introduce the work of world's best composers to the public. In scope of the project, total of six concerts will be performed, of which "World Music Concert" by Horse Fiddle Ensemble (Morin huur ensemble) is to be held today at 07 PM at Mongolian State Philharmonic Orchestra.
Following masterpieces to be played by the artists of Horse Fiddle Ensemble (Morin huur ensemble) and fiddler H.Batzaya, B.Uyanga, R.Amarbayar, horn trumpeter S.Odsuren, pianist E.Namuun, harpist K.Munhtogotoh. Tuvshinsaihan to conduct the concert.
- "Troika" and "Romance" by Soviet neoromantic composer Georgy Sviridov
- "Serenade" by Austrian composer V.A.Mozart
- "Romance" by Russian composer and pianist Dmitriyevich Shostakovich
- "Sabre Dance" by Soviet Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian
- "Polonez" by Polish composer M.K.Oginski.
For more information on the concert please contact at 7011-8012, 7014-8012, 8800-4849, 9992-5517.
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Suite 702, Level 7, Express Tower
4 Peace Avenue, Chingeltei District 1
Ulaanbaatar 15160, Mongolia
Email: info@covermongolia.com
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