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THE US$285 million Millennium Challenge compact assistance program to
reduce poverty through economic growth in Mongolia was signed on
October 22. President N.Enkhbayar and President George W. Bush signed
the five-year agreement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in a
sober ceremony marked with quiet but confident optimism.
THE US$285 million Millennium Challenge compact assistance program to
reduce poverty through economic growth in Mongolia was signed on
October 22. President N.Enkhbayar and President George W. Bush signed
the five-year agreement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in a
sober ceremony marked with quiet but confident optimism.
THE US$285 million Millennium Challenge compact assistance program to reduce poverty through economic growth in Mongolia was signed on October 22. President N.Enkhbayar and President George W. Bush signed the five-year agreement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in a sober ceremony marked with quiet but confident optimism. The Mongolian head of state began his US visit on Monday.
Speaking before the ceremony, Enkhbayar termed the approval of the agreement by the MCC Board of Directors as “one of the most significant events” for Mongolia this year. “All Mongolian people are excited about the agreement and its subsequent implementation,” he said.“The Millennium Challenge Compact encourages countries to make a firm commitment to basic principles, principles that mean the government will listen to their people and respond to the needs of the people,” said Bush in his pre-signing remarks.
“The Millennium Challenge Account has been effective. It’s been effective across the world. It will be effective in Mongolia. And when the United States Congress considers full funding for the Millennium Challenge Account, they must think about countries such as Mongolia and the long-term benefits that this program will mean for a solid friend.”
Mongolian Minister for Foreign Affairs N.Enkhbold, Mongolian Minister for Finance N.Bayartsaikhan, and the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended signing of the agreement.
“Mongolia has worked with MCC to develop a strong program that will reduce poverty in a meaningful and sustained way,” said Ambassador John Danilovich, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. “The goal is to increase economic opportunities for the poorest Mongolians and our US$285 million Compact will do exactly that by focusing on transportation, property rights, education and health.”
The agreement will invest in improving the efficiency and capacity of Mongolia’s railway system, the backbone of the country’s economy. MCC is also working with Mongolia to improve the ability of Mongolians to register and obtain clear title to their land, reform the vocational education system to meet the demands of the market, and improve the health and well-being of the labor force by reducing non-communicable diseases and injuries.The two leaders talked about the Free Trade Agreement that has been under discussion for years. They also touched on the issue of visa-free travel for Mongolians to the United States. The US President said he would pay attention to the proposal.
“Laura and I loved our trip to your country. It was most interesting. I still vividly remember the fierce-looking warrior on horseback. And I was reminded of how thankful I am I’ve never met him on a battlefield. I remember the skill of the horsemen. I remember the warm hospitality. I remember the yak’s milk,” said Bush.
“I also want to thank you very much for your strong support in the war against radicals and extremists. After our nation was attacked on September 11 by cold-blooded murderers, you and your country stood in solidarity with the American people. And since then you have been a stalwart in helping defeat extremists by helping young democracies survive and thrive. And I want to thank you and the Mongolian people for supporting the young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s been hard work, but we’re making progress. And I know it’s been hard for some in your society to see the benefits of free societies emerging, but I appreciate your vision and I want to thank your troops. The Mongolian troops are well-trained, well-disciplined, and are a great credit to your country.”The US President visited Mongolia in 2005. As they wrapped up the signing ceremony, President Enkhbayar invited him to pay another visit next August when he is expected to be in China to attend the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Written by Ch.Sumiyabazar
The UB Post
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