Mr. Akihiro Ohata, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI Minister), met with Mr. Sukhbaatar Batbold, Prime Minister of Mongolia, in Tokyo on October 3 (Sun.) during the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan. The contents of their discussion were as follows:
- 1. At the beginning of the meeting, METI Minister Ohata welcomed Prime Minister Batbold’s visit to Japan and stated his intentions as follows:
- (1) The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) wishes to continue discussions to start negotiations for a Japan-Mongolia economic partnership agreement (EPA) early in the next fiscal year.
- (2) METI wishes to cooperate with Mongolia on the development of the Tavan Tolgoi coalfield in combination with railway and other infrastructure building projects.
- (3) To diversify Japan’s source of supply of rare earths and other rare metals, a joint study mission of the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) will visit Mongolia by the middle of this month.
- (4) METI wishes to cooperate on the development of uranium resources in Mongolia as well.
- 2. Prime Minister Batbold responded as follows:
- (1) Mongolia is eager to promote a Japan-Mongolia EPA.
- (2) Mongolia wishes to deepen cooperative relations with Japan regarding the development of the Tavan Tolgoi coalfield, which Mongolia positions as a strategic ore deposit, as well as regarding relevant infrastructure.
- (3) Mongolia considers cooperation that can add value to mineral resources important, and has high expectations of Japan in regard to its technical excellence.
- 3.
- METI Minister Ohata stressed that Japan-Mongolia relations should be mutually beneficial rather than one-sided, and expressed his intention of continuing bilateral cooperation in the four areas named at the beginning.
- 4.
- Both sides agreed to further efforts in individual areas and work in cooperation to yield results as fast as possible, with a view to enhancing trade relations and natural resources cooperation between the two countries.
- For reference
- Prime Minister Batbold’s visit to Japan
Mr. Batbold is visiting Japan from October 2 (Sat.) to 4 (Mon.) to attend the retirement ceremony of former sumo grand champion Asashoryu on October 3 (Sun.), and other events.
October 3, 2010
Divisions in Charge
- Northeast Asia Division, Trade Policy Bureau - Coal Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE)
- Mineral and Natural Resources Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, ANRE
- Nuclear Energy Policy Planning Division, ANRE
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