Mongolia's former PM Zandanshatar meets FM Khanal to strengthen ties

KATHMANDU: Visiting former Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar met Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at Singha Durbar on Monday to discuss deepening bilateral ties.

The meeting addressed Nepal‑Mongolia relations, geopolitical similarities and potential cooperation in development, trade, partnership and Buddhist norms and values. Minister Khanal said the two countries share common geopolitical concerns and that Nepal was keen to learn from Mongolia’s experience across a range of areas.

Khanal said Nepal wanted to expand cooperation in development, trade and partnership, as well as in Buddhist norms and values, and suggested the countries could speak together for the rights and interests of landlocked states. He praised Mongolia for maintaining balanced relations with its neighbours and for effective management of partnerships.

The pair explored measures to strengthen bilateral and diplomatic relations. Minister Khanal said the government of Nepal was keen to deepen ties with Mongolia as a spiritual partner and reiterated Nepal’s commitment to advancing cooperation across various fields.

Mongolia's former PM Zandanshatar pointed to geographical similarities between the two countries and urged small states such as Nepal and Mongolia to move forward together amid changes in the global system. He said the countries share Buddhist values and culture and said they were spiritual neighbours, adding that Mongolia was interested in cooperation on Buddhist values, cultural exchange and the development of chess in Nepal.