India, Mongolia discuss trade, terrorism at Joint Committee

Issues including bilateral trade, terrorism and joint refinery projects were discussed at the recently concluded Indo-Mongolia 6th Joint Committee for Cooperation on Wednesday as the two countries pledged to thwart those who extend support to the terror outfits.

As per the press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, a wide range of issues regarding the bilateral engagements were discussed between Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart Damdin Tsogtbaatar.

While reiterating the fact that India was the first among the countries outside the erstwhile Communist Bloc which established diplomatic relations with Mongolia, Swaraj said, "In the six decades of our partnership, our relations have grown from strength to strength."

The collaborative projects including the on-going refinery projects in Mongolia were highlighted. India had provided one billion dollar Indian Line of Credit for the construction of the oil refinery in the mineral and oil-rich country Mongolia.

Swaraj further directed the Indian officials to ensure expeditious implementation of these projects.

They further discussed about the possibility of launching direct air connectivity between India's capital New Delhi and Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

While discussing about the increasing global terrorism, the two countries agreed to cooperate bilaterally and in the international arena to ward off "this evil and thwart the designs of those who extend support to terrorists outfits."

They also held discussions for economic cooperation in areas including infrastructure development, energy, services and Information Technology.

The two foreign ministers inked bilateral agreements.