Turkish PM seeks to boost ties with Mongolia

By Mumin Altas

ULAANBAATAR

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim arrived in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar early Friday for a two-day visit.

He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu, Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmus and Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan.

On the first day of the visit, Yildirim met Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga, Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and Parliament Speaker Mieygombo Enkhbold.

During the meeting with his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaa, Yildirim said: "We are pleased that you see Turkey as a third neighbor in your foreign policy. We will be celebrating our 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. We consider this 50th year as an important opportunity for the development of relations between the two countries."

With aims to boost ties, Turkey and Mongolia signed seven different agreements in such areas as agriculture, transportation and communication technologies, disaster management and migration.

Yildirim will also attend an inauguration ceremony for projects carried out by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in the country.

Additionally, the premier will attend a ceremony at a university where he is expected to receive an honorary .