It is a great pleasure to congratulate the Government and people of Mongolia on the 55th anniversary of Mongolia’s membership of the United Nations.

Our partnership began when United Nations agencies first became engaged in Mongolia in the early 1960s.  Today, 11 United Nations Funds, Agencies and Programmes are present in the country, working to support sustainable development and improve the lives of all Mongolians.

Mongolia has been active in promoting all three pillars of the UN’s work: human rights, peace and security and sustainable development.

On human rights, I commend the leaders and people of Mongolia for their commitment to a democratic vision for their country, which will support efforts to fight poverty and promote dignity, justice, peace and prosperity.

Mongolia’s commitment to global peace and security is demonstrated by the deployment of more than 900 Mongolian troops to six UN peace operations. Mongolia has declared itself a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and has contributed to regional trust-building by facilitating dialogue with neighbouring countries.

And Mongolia has made a strong start on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, by integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into its national development plan. I also thank Mongolia for the prompt ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

My visit to Mongolia in 2009 was truly memorable. I hope the natural beauty and traditional culture of Mongolia will be maintained along with peace and prosperity for many years to come.

Congratulations on 55 years of successful partnership! We look forward to even stronger relations in the years ahead.