Mongolia to open Frankfurt consulate as it seeks closer Germany ties

Mongolia plans to open a general consulate in Frankfurt as it looks to deepen relations with Germany, President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh said during a state visit to Berlin on Tuesday.

Mongolia considers Germany to be a "close, reliable partner and friend in Europe," Khürelsükh said after a meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the capital.

Khürelsükh was received by Steinmeier with military honours at Villa Borsig, a country estate in north-west Berlin often used to host foreign dignitaries.

Steinmeier stressed that while Mongolia and Germany were located thousands of kilometres apart, "we are bound together by a very close partnership - at a time when reliable partners are more important than ever."

He underlined that Germany and Mongolia were committed to a shared foundation of freedom and human rights, the rule of law and the pursuit of a world in which every country determines its own path.

Steinmeier, who visited Mongolia in 2024, also honoured the country's commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions and to peace efforts in the Middle East. "I have great respect for the way Mongolia uses its scope for action to make valuable contributions on the international stage," he said.

Khürelsükh called for closer trade and economic ties and for increased mutual investment, adding that the two sides had agreed to expand cooperation in the areas of climate action, development cooperation, banking, finance, education, science and defence.

Mongolia is also interested in enabling private airlines to operate flights to Berlin, he added.

Steinmeier and Khürelsükh are due to open an exhibition on Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, on Tuesday afternoon.

Khürelsükh said the show, which marks the 800th anniversary of the historical figure's death next year, would provide the German and European public with in-depth insights into the history of the Mongol Empire, the way of life and culture of the Mongols, and their contribution to human history.