EMMANUEL MACRON: WE WILL SUPPORT MONGOLIA IN HOSTING UNCCD COP17
Ulaanbaatar, May 22, 2023 /MONTSAME/. The Presidents of Mongolia and France briefed the press after the official talks. We present the summarized transcript of President Emmanuel Macron’s speech.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to President of Mongolia Ukhnaa Khurelsukh for warmly welcoming us and hosting this historic visit. Despite the vast expanse separating our two countries, we are connected by nearly 800 years of history since Saint Louis of France sent his emissaries to the successors of Chinggis Khaan. To establish the first relationship between France and Mongolia, those people, fueled by an insatiable curiosity, were able to fearlessly surmount obstacles, showcase bravery, and confront every challenge and ordeal with ceaseless effort. I hope we can overcome the common challenges that we are facing now with a such spirit they had in the past.
Mr. President U. Khurelsukh noted the deforestation, and we just mentioned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, consequences of which would extend far beyond the borders of Europe. I also expressed my determination to stand in support of the country that has been under aggression and my utmost goal to restore peace in Europe in accordance with international laws and regulations.
Our two nations, which actively engage in peacekeeping endeavors and uphold the principles of a democratic system governed by the rule of law, have abolished the death penalty. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mongolia for making a valuable contribution to international peace and security.
During the official talks with the President of Mongolia, we discussed a number of important issues, with a particular focus on climate change, which is negatively affecting Mongolia. Our two countries will further collaborate in several areas. We will help Mongolia reduce coal consumption step by step, alleviate the agricultural sector's vulnerability to climate change, achieve food independence, and forge close cooperation with international organizations.
France is ready to assist Mongolia in improving its energy governance. France can support Mongolia in strengthening its energy resources by a supply of critical metals from your country through projects that have a substantial impact on the development of Mongolia while pursuing the highest environmental standards.
Similar to France, Mongolia has started implementing the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign. In this regard, France is ready to support Mongolia in hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 2026. It would be inadequate to end my speech without introducing our aspiration to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the initiation of French language teaching in Mongolia. In order to achieve our objectives, we intend to develop a scholarship program. We will pay attention to facilitating students’ travel arrangements between France and Mongolia under the “President’s Scholarship Program - 2100” initiated by President U. Khurelsukh.
We cordially invite you, Mr. President, to visit the French Republic in October 2023. It would be an esteemed pleasure to meet you at the Chinggis Khaan exhibition which has never been held before. We anticipate that our cooperation will strengthen in the forthcoming years, rather than in the upcoming months. We express our sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, and your Government for this kind hospitality. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome. Our history is all around us, thank you!”