Relations with Mongolia
NATO and Mongolia are committed to strengthening relations to address shared security challenges. This includes cooperation on a range of issues including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation or cyber security.
- NATO and Mongolia have been engaged in dialogue and cooperation since 2005. It is one of a number of countries beyond the Euro-Atlantic area – often referred to as “partners across the globe” – with which NATO is strengthening relations.
- Since March 2012, work has been taken forward through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme. This was renewed most recently in April 2020.
- Mongolia provided support for NATO-led defence capacity building efforts in Afghanistan.
- Political dialogue and practical cooperation are being developed across priority areas, including improving interoperability, addressing emerging security challenges such as terrorism, non-proliferation and cyber threats, developing mechanisms for crisis prevention and management, and building capacity.
Key areas of cooperation
Mongolia’s cooperation with NATO is mutually beneficial and includes:
Building capabilities and interoperability
- Since 2014 under the Partnership Interoperability Initiative, Mongolia has been participating in the Interoperability Platform that brings Allies together with 23 partners. The country seeks to further enhance the interoperability of its armed forces with NATO forces through the exchange of best practices and participation in a wide range of NATO courses and training activities.
- Mongolia is participating in the Building Integrity Programme to promote good governance and accountability in defence establishments and good management in defence resources.
- With NATO support, Mongolia has completed an ambitious multi-year plan for the modernisation of its professional military education system through the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). Between 2013 and 2017, the Mongolian National Defence University (MNDU) has implemented a new core curriculum for staff officers, reviewed instructors’ teaching methods and placed greater emphasis on English and other foreign language teaching. Upon the request of the Ministry of Defence in spring 2019, DEEP Mongolia started a sustainment phase with the MNDU to further develop staff officer education and the faculty’s teaching skills. Furthermore, DEEP Mongolia now includes assistance in the area of non-commissioned officers (NCO) education.
- Since August 2014, the Mongolian Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Centre has been recognised as part of the network of Partnership Training and Education Centres.
Support for NATO-led operations and missions
- Mongolia contributed troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2014, providing force protection in Feyzabad and flight line security at Kabul International Airport, as well as supporting the training mission in Afghanistan with infantry, artillery and air mentor trainers. Mongolia was part of the follow-on Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces, and was among the largest partner contributors to this mission.
- Mongolia also supported the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) from December 2005 to March 2007.
Wider cooperation
- Mongolia’s participation in the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme has included projects focused on the environmental rehabilitation of former military sites and on the development of resilience and security in information communications technology. Most recently, from 2017 to 2020, the Programme supported the development of cyber defence capabilities of the Mongolian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the NATO Communications and Information Agency. This project provided equipment, training and technical support for the creation of a Cyber Security Centre, incorporating a Cyber Incident Response Capability for the Ministry of Defence and General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.
- Mongolia and NATO are undertaking joint efforts to build public understanding and awareness of partnership, including by inviting opinion formers and journalists to events and activities.
- NATO recently provided practical support to Mongolia to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre, the United States provided USD 1.2 million of support for laboratory systems, track and trace efforts, and technical expertise.