At the invitation of the President of the Republic of India, the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Natsagiin Bagabandi, accompanied by his wife, paid a state visit to India from 01- 05 January, 2001. During his stay, he visited Bangalore where he was briefed on India's space programmes and India's capabilities in the Information Technology sector. 

2. The President of Mongolia was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapathi Bhavan on 3 January 2001. He called on the President of the Republic of India. Their discussion covered a review of bilateral relations and recent regional and international developments of mutual interest. An official banquet was hosted in honour of H.E. President Bagabandi. 

3. The Vice President of the Republic of India, Deputy Chairperson Rajya Sabha and the Minister of External Affairs called on the President of Mongolia. 

4. Delegation level discussions were held with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India. There was an extensive exchange of views on the further development of bilateral relations, a review of relations with neighbouring countries, the problem of international terrorism, UN reform and other international issues of mutual interest.

5. Following their discussions, both sides reiterated the importance that they attached to and the continuing relevance of the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Co-operation between the Republic of India and. Mongolia of 1994. The Treaty had served both countries well and provided a solid foundation for the further development of bilateral relations and co-operation on regional and international relations in the years ahead.

6. The following new agreements were signed:

i) Extradition Treaty;

ii) Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters;

iii) Treaty on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations Concerning Civil and Commercial Matters; 

iv) Agreement on Co-operation in Defence Matters; 

v) Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments; and 

vi) MOU on Co-operation in Information Technology. 

The new agreements will serve to further diversify and strengthen bilateral relations and co-operation. 

7. His Excellency, the President of Mongolia conveyed to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India that the Republic of India was one of the most populous countries in the world with, significant economic and political weight, scientific and technological potential and was able to make a tangible contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement India had a legitimate right to aspire for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Mongolia as a nation located in the same region as India and enjoying centuries old friendly ties with India, would fully support India's endeavours to become a permanent member as the expansion of the UN Security Council takes place. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India conveyed, on behalf of the Government of India, gratitude for this expression of support. 

8. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India noted that the suffering of the friendly people of Mongolia on account of the harsh winter last year and the anticipated harsh winter this year, had given rise to great concern in India. As a gesture of India's concern and friendship, the Prime Minister conveyed to the President of Mongolia that India would provide a, grant of Rs. 10 million as humanitarian assistance for supply of necessary relief items from India such as medicines, blankets baby food and foodstuff. The President of Mongolia thanked the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for this friendly gesture.

9. The President of Mongolia conveyed to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India that the programmes of education and training that were being undertaken with Indian assistance were found both relevant and useful. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India took the opportunity to announce that India would be happy to enhance the positions reserved for Mongolia under its ITEC programme and also to expand the 
facilities and faculty of the Rajiv Gandhi Vocational Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar to meet additionally identified vocational training requirements of the Mongolian side. The ' Prime Minister also took the opportunity to reiterate that India had in the past and would continue in the future to share its modest developmental achievements with friendly developing countries as Mongolia. 

10. Following their discussion on regional and international issues, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India reiterated India's support at the United Nations for Mongolia's International Security and Nuclear Weapon Free Status. 
 

11. Both sides reiterated their readiness to enhance their co- operation on issues related to peace, stability and development in the world at large and in the Asia-Pacific region in particular, through intensifying their interaction and exchange of views in multilateral fora, including the United Nations.

12. India and Mongolia, as fellow members of the Non- Aligned Movement and the Group of 77, reiterated the importance of increasing the role of the Movement and the Group in developing more action oriented South-South co- operation and meaninful North-South partnership with a view to creating a more just and equitable world, free from fear and free from want. 

13. The Mongolian side reaffirmed its support for India's efforts to normalise its relations with Pakistan on the basis of the 1972 Simla Agreement. It appreciated the position of India on the resumption of the composite dialogue with Pakistan based on the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. 

14. Both India and Mongolia recognised the serious threats posed to nation states and international peace and security by the growing threat of international terrorism which had acquired an even more menacing dimension following the growth of and linkage with religious fundamentalism and extremism. Both countries condemned terrorism in, all its forms, irrespective of political, philosophical, ideological, religious, ethnic, racial or any other consideration that may be invoked to justify them. They also condemned states that aid, abet and directly support cross border and international terrorism. They reiterated their resolve to work to strengthen the international consensus and legal regimes against terrorism, including early finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. 

15. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India and the President of Mongolia recalled with satisfaction that the two countries had recently marked the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on 24 December, 2000. The visit of the President of Mongolia to India, soon thereafter, was the first state visit to India in the New Millennium. This befitted the civilisational.and traditionally warm relationship between the two countries. 

16. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India expressed the conviction that the visit of the President of Mongolia had strengthened the traditionally friendly and co-operative relations between, India and Mongolia and would provide an important, route map for the further development of bilateral relations in the 21st century.

17. The President of Mongolia thanked the Prime Minister of the Republic of India for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and himself. He invited the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to pay official visits to Mongolia. The invitations were accepted with gratitude. Dates would be settled through diplomatic channels. 

Issued at New Delhi on 03 January, 2001 in the Hindi, Mongolian and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.