Mongolia US discuss cooperation in investment, mining, tourism, and space exploration.

Mongolia US discuss cooperation

The Deputy Chairwoman of Mongolia’s Parliament, Bulgantuya  Khurelbaatar, recently hosted a U.S. House of Representatives delegation comprising Ed Case, Ami Bera, Neal P. Dunn, Sara Jacobs, and Jonathan L. Jackson, emphasizing the U.S. as a vital “third neighbor” and strategic partner for Mongolia. Bulgantuya underlined the U.S.’s long-standing support for Mongolia’s democracy and market economy and highlighted how recent high-level visits and multilateral dialogues have further empowered political and regional cooperation.

In a notable development in May, United Airlines launched the Tokyo–Ulaanbaatar route, co-branded with Mongolia’s "Travel Responsibly" campaign—a move Deputy Chairwoman Khurelbaatar saw as elevating Mongolia’s tourism sector. The meeting spotlighted future cooperation in energy, strategic mineral resources, tourism, and even space exploration, demonstrating Mongolia’s intent to build a diversified, forward-looking partnership.

Congressman Ed Case proposed establishing a bilateral research group to identify investment opportunities in Mongolia. He also lauded the higher representation of women in Mongolia's Parliament compared to the U.S. House, expressing eagerness to jointly promote parliamentary democracy.

Attending members of Mongolia’s Parliament included Erdenebold Sukhbaatar, Saranchuluun Otgon, Anar Chinbaatar, and Undraa Agvaanluvsan. Mongolia and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations since January 27, 1987.

Context on the “Third Neighbor” Policy: Mongolia’s “third neighbor” approach is a key foreign policy strategy, promoting alliances beyond China and Russia, especially with democratic nations like the U.S., South Korea, and France to bolster economic resilience, democratic values, and national security.

United Airlines Launches Groundbreaking Mongolia Route                               

In May 2025, United Airlines inaugurated the Tokyo (Narita)–Ulaanbaatar route, marking the first-ever U.S. airline service to Mongolia.

• Route Details: Three weekly flights each way (scheduled May–October 2025), operated with Boeing 737‑800 aircraft, connecting through Tokyo to United’s main U.S. hubs.

• The inaugural flight sequence commenced from Houston (via Tokyo) and proceeded to Ulaanbaatar, offering a seamless transpacific flight.

This route falls under fifth-freedom rights, a rare aviation agreement permitting airlines to link to Japan to serve two foreign countries as part of a route that begins or ends in their home country. This boosts connectivity to underserved markets, such as Mongolia, according to Business Insider.

Strategic Insights:

• United’s network planning is driven by a mix of data analysis and creative foresight. Patrick Quayle, SVP of Global Network Planning & Alliances, personally champions these route expansions (to Ulaanbaatar, Greenland, and other exotic destinations).

• These expansions come amid United’s largest-ever international schedule push for Summer 2025, exceeding 760 weekly transatlantic flights, even amid aircraft-delivery challenges thanks to strategic leasing and fleet flexibility.

Significance:

• United is now the only U.S. airline operating in Mongolia, offering improved air access and tourism potential.

• This connectivity reinforces Mongolia’s economic strategy and aligns with the “Travel Responsibly” campaign’s objectives to attract more international visitors.