President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj: Mr President,
Let me wish you welcome to Mongolia once again. Our people and our country’s leadership are genuinely happy to welcome you to Mongolia.
The relations between our countries and peoples go back a long way, have stood the test of time, and are particularly warm and friendly. Your visit coincides with a historic date. Over these days, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the battles that took place at the river Khalkin-Gol. This in itself is proof of what I said just now about our relations. Mr President, I congratulate you and our Russian friends on this victory celebration.
The friendship that we forged in the battles of Khalkin Gol grew even stronger during World War II. We in Mongolia always remember with pride the heroic feats of the Soviet soldiers, who spared neither their own lives nor their blood to fight for our country’s sovereignty and independence and for our people’s free and happy life. It is here that lies the particular historical significance of the relations between Mongolia and the Russian Federation.
We are proud that our peoples fought together during the war years and worked together side by side during peacetime. Mr President, as you said, we have a rich history of cooperation on the battlefield, on land, and in space. I am sure that your visit will open a new page in the history of our relations. Mongolia seeks to develop its relations with the Russian Federation in all areas.
I wish you and your delegation a good stay in Mongolia.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Mr President, friends.
Thank you for the invitation first of all. Today, we are celebrating together the 75th anniversary of one of the central events of our common history – our joint victory at the river Khalkin-Gol. The courage and heroism of the Soviet and Mongolian soldiers who fought side by side to defend Mongolia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity became a symbol, one of the symbols of our friendship.
Russia remembers and values the help that we received from Mongolia during the years of the Great Patriotic War. Mr President, we look forward to seeing you next May in Moscow to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory.
Our relations continue to develop today. This includes our military cooperation, humanitarian cooperation, and our economic ties of course. Mr President, I am very pleased to have this chance to discuss with all of my colleagues today in Ulan Bator the full range of our bilateral relations.
Thank you very much.
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