Australia and Mongolia Mark a New Chapter in Bilateral Relations During Governor-General’s State Visit

Australia and Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 9 September 2025. As part of the official State Visit of Her Excellency Samantha Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, to Mongolia from September 4 to 9, 2025, leading Mongolian international affairs expert Dr. Tserennadmid Chuluunbaatar shared insights into the evolving partnership between the two countries.

Dr. Chuluunbaatar, Head of the Third Neighbour Studies Division at the Institute of International Studies under the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, emphasized the growing strategic importance of Mongolia–Australia relations, rooted in shared values and mutual interests across a range of sectors. 53 Years of Diplomatic Ties Although Mongolia and Australia officially established diplomatic relations on 15 September 1972, Dr. Chuluunbaatar noted that meaningful engagement began in the early 1990s, as Mongolia transitioned to a democratic system and a market economy. Since then, cooperation has expanded in areas including the mining sector management, education, healthcare, water supply, and human resource development.

"Australia has been a key third neighbour and among the earliest supporters of Mongolia’s democratic transformation," said Dr. Chuluunbaatar. Expanding and Diversifying Bilateral Cooperation. The partnership between Mongolia and Australia has matured steadily over the past decades. With both countries opening embassies in each other's capitals in the late 2000s, formal cooperation has broadened beyond the mining and resources sectors to include education, humanitarian aid, culture, and regional security. “Australian scholars and security experts have been active participants in Mongolia-led initiatives such as the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue and the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercises,” Dr. Chuluunbaatar added.

Trade and economic cooperation have also seen strong growth. In 2023, bilateral trade reached USD 388 million, with Australian exports making up USD 373 million. Mongolia is now seeking to diversify trade flows by expanding exports to Australia, particularly in sectors like agriculture, food, telecommunications, tourism, and light industry.

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building in Mining Mining remains a cornerstone of cooperation. Australian companies are heavily involved in the exploration and development of Mongolia’s mineral resources and have introduced global best practices in environmental protection, skills training, and community engagement.

“This collaboration has helped set new benchmarks in technology, social responsibility, and human resource development within Mongolia’s mining industry,” Dr. Chuluunbaatar said.

He noted that while mining has driven economic growth, Mongolia’s economy remains vulnerable to global market fluctuations. “We must also study Australia’s experience as a mining-based economy—its challenges and how it has managed them—to ensure our growth is resilient and sustainable.” Partnership in Light Industry and Youth Development

Dr. Chuluunbaatar highlighted Mongolia’s ambition to develop its light industry sector under the national “White Gold” movement. Australia is seen as a promising partner in this area, particularly in technology transfer and workforce training.

Australia has already supported human capital development in agriculture and light industry, including youth employment and gender equality initiatives. Joint programmes with civil society, such as the Mongolian Red Cross Society and the National Emergency Management Agency, have also focused on building community resilience and training women in agricultural skills.

“These projects demonstrate the potential for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation in social development,” he said.

Future Opportunities: Climate Resilience and Green Energy

Both Mongolia and Australia face shared environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. Dr. Chuluunbaatar emphasized the importance of adapting Australia’s advanced environmental management practices to Mongolia’s specific needs.

Energy diversification is also emerging as a promising area of collaboration. Mongolia has begun partnering with Australian firms on coal-bed methane and green hydrogen exploration—sectors that could drive both domestic development and export growth.

Beyond the economic sphere, Dr. Chuluunbaatar sees opportunities for closer cooperation in healthcare, inclusive education, disability employment, and gender-responsive workforce development.

“We need larger-scale, long-term programmes in these areas that produce sustainable results for both societies,” he noted. State Visit: A Milestone for Mongolia–Australia Relations Dr. Chuluunbaatar described the Governor-General’s visit—the first in over 30 years—as a “historic milestone” in the bilateral relationship. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation under the framework of the “Expanded Partnership” and further elevate collaboration at both regional and international levels. During her visit, Governor-General Mostyn is reviewing Australia-funded programmes and holding meetings with business leaders and policymakers in Mongolia.

“This visit reflects the strength and depth of our partnership and sets the stage for a new era of cooperation,” Dr. Chuluunbaatar concluded.