Japan, Mongolia vow to boost ties with focus on AI, security, energy

Japan and Mongolia on Tuesday pledged to further boost ties as their prime ministers met in Tokyo.

In a statement on US social media company X, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she discussed with her Mongolian counterpart Nyam-Osor Uchral ways to further advance cooperation under their "special strategic partnership for peace and prosperity."

They also agreed to discuss cooperation in the areas of security and artificial intelligence.

Taikachi said Japan will continue supporting Mongolia’s autonomy and resilience under its Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, launched in 2016 to promote a rules-based order, maritime security and economic prosperity.

The two nations will commemorate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.

Their bilateral trade rose to around $1 billion last year.

Taikachi said the two sides “signed and exchanged notes on yen loans” for the expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Japanese companies are involved in its operation.

“We also agreed to actively cooperate in fields related to oil stockpiling and renewable energy under Power Asia,” said Takaichi, referring to Japan’s $10-billion regional energy resilience framework initiative.

During his visit to the East Asian nation, Uchral also held talks with Eisuke Mori, speaker of Japan's House of Representatives, the lower house of the country's legislature, during which they exchanged views on bilateral relations and interparliamentary cooperation, according to a Mongolian government statement.