An interview with the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, conducted by the author of The Diplomat, reveals key aspects of bilateral relations.
Richard L. Buangan, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, shares his thoughts on the future of cooperation.
On January 27, the United States and Mongolia celebrated 39 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which were first established in 1987 during the final years of the Cold War. These ties, developed over nearly four decades, have formed the basis for Mongolia's "Third Neighbor" doctrine aimed at expanding the country's foreign relations beyond its two neighbors — Russia and China.
In the context of increasing great power competition and a shift in Washington's strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as a foreign policy focused on American interests, Trump's second presidency, solidified by the National Security Strategy of December 2025, has elevated the strategic partnership between Mongolia and the USA to a new level.
A significant event preceding this anniversary was the signing on January 22 by Mongolia's Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene of the Charter of the Council for Peace in Davos, which affirmed Mongolia's status as a founding member of this international organization led by Trump. This step marked an important update in Mongolia's "Third Neighbor" strategy, especially against the backdrop of the completion of the UN mission in South Sudan in April 2026.
However, not everything in the relationship between Mongolia and the USA has gone smoothly. On February 2, the United States suspended the issuance of immigration visas for Mongolian citizens, placing the country on a "high-risk" list, which created tension in bilateral relations.
Since the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2019, questions have arisen about how deep and tangible the results of this cooperation are. Have there been real achievements beyond formal statements and symbolic aid, and are key issues such as energy instability and economic diversification being addressed?
In the changing geopolitical situation, China and Russia have intensified economic ties with Mongolia, which was evident in two significant visits in February 2026. China's Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong confirmed Beijing's political priorities in Ulaanbaatar, while the Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament U. Nyam-Osor visited Moscow to discuss energy cooperation.
To clarify these events and their implications for the future of relations between Mongolia and the USA, Sumyaa Chuluunbaatar interviewed Richard L. Buangan, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia since November 2022.
With extensive experience in East Asia, Buangan has held this position against the backdrop of significant events, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken's historic visit to Mongolia in August 2024 and Ulaanbaatar's participation in the Council for Peace.
While in Mongolia, Buangan actively engaged with local communities, exploring culture and traditions, including participation in the Naadam and Tsagaan Sar festivals. He described Mongolians as "hospitable and open," which resonates with American values. Despite the successes achieved in defense, education, and development, he noted that there are serious structural barriers to realizing the full potential of the partnership.
ANNIVERSARY DATES
Buangan designated 2026 as a "special" year for both countries, linking the 39th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. "These are two important milestones, and we have many plans," he noted, emphasizing the significance of cooperation in celebrating these anniversaries.
Among the symbolic anniversaries, particular attention is given to real investments that define bilateral relations. A key project is the $462 million Water Resources Agreement of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which will conclude in March 2026 and will increase clean water supplies in Ulaanbaatar, which is crucial amid population migration.
"This is a symbol of the long-term commitment of the USA to partnership with Mongolia," emphasizes Buangan, noting that the project reflects the Trump administration's commitment to sustainable development.
This project is supported by initiatives to strengthen Mongolia's global economic ties. In February 2026, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed an agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia aimed at obtaining Category 1 (CAT 1) safety status from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which will create new markets for Mongolian goods.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SEVEN YEARS LATER
Seven years after the establishment of the strategic partnership between Mongolia and the USA, Buangan assessed the results achieved, noting that the USA is Mongolia's most consistent "third neighbor." "Despite the distance, we take pride in being Mongolia's third neighbor and take this seriously," he said, highlighting three key areas of progress.
First, cooperation in defense and security has become the foundation of these relations, aligning with the priorities of both countries amid global dynamics. Buangan highlighted the multinational peacekeeping exercises Khaan Quest, in which 24 countries participated in 2025, as a significant step in strengthening international cooperation.
"Our engagement in defense helps modernize the Mongolian Armed Forces, and the results are evident," he added.
Mongolia ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of peacekeepers per capita, with over 23,000 military personnel in various international missions, demonstrating its active participation in global affairs.
Second, educational and cultural ties serve as a solid foundation for relations between the countries, extending beyond political and economic realities. Buangan emphasized the importance of human connections: "You can sign many agreements, but if people do not know each other, those agreements remain just on paper."
According to IIE Open Doors data, about 1,500 Mongolian students study in the USA annually, while only about 100 Americans study in Mongolia. The U.S. Peace Corps program also highlights these connections, with approximately 1,500 volunteers working at the local level since 1991.
With more than 8,000 participants in exchange programs over 39 years, a broad network of bilateral relations has been created. In 2022, a Center of Excellence in English Language Teaching was opened in Mongolia, continuing a program initiated by Blinken.
However, new visa restrictions may hinder mobility between the countries, despite efforts to maintain sustainable development.
Third, deepening cooperation in economic diversification and mineral extraction has become an important priority for both countries. Buangan noted that Mongolia's reserves of minerals such as copper and lithium present opportunities for mutually beneficial investments.
He mentioned two events: Mongolia's participation in the ministerial conference on critical minerals in February 2026 and its entry into the Council for Peace as landmark steps in deepening the strategic partnership.
Buangan praised Mongolia's participation in the Council for Peace, calling it a "historic initiative," and expressed appreciation to the Mongolian government for this decision.
Mongolia emphasizes that its membership in the Council for Peace aligns with its multi-vector foreign policy, which does not imply military commitments and is based on respect for sovereignty.
Buangan added that this initiative opens new opportunities for Mongolia on the international stage, deepening its partnership with the United States.
"AMERICA FIRST," SOVEREIGNTY, AND COOPERATION IN REFORMS
During the conversation, the U.S. National Security Strategy until 2025 and its impact on Mongolian-American relations were discussed, especially in light of Mongolia's decision to join the Council for Peace.
Buangan refuted the notion that this policy implies a distancing from traditional partners. "'America First' does not mean 'America Alone'; it means a more targeted and strategic approach," he noted.
He emphasized that partnerships that bring tangible benefits are a priority for the USA, including cooperation with Mongolia that respects its sovereignty and multi-vector foreign policy.
Buangan confirmed U.S. support for internal reforms in Mongolia, mentioning the launch of the second phase of the project to ensure transparency and integrity in December 2025. However, he also noted that structural issues such as corruption hinder the development of bilateral trade.
When asked about a possible visit by the U.S. President to Mongolia, which has not occurred since 2005, Buangan did not confirm any specific plans but highlighted the importance of engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
"President Trump is actively involved in Indo-Pacific affairs," he emphasized, adding that meetings between the Mongolian Foreign Minister and senior U.S. officials confirm stable bilateral engagement.
FINAL REFLECTIONS
At the end of the conversation, Buangan expressed confidence in the continued development of Mongolian-American relations, built on 39 years of diplomacy and strategic partnership. This connection, based on shared values and respect, provides a solid foundation for the future.
For Mongolia, the United States remains an important "third neighbor," contributing to the protection of its sovereignty and economic diversification amid global competition. For its part, the USA views Mongolia as a reliable democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region and an important participant in ensuring sustainable supply chains of critical resources.
Buangan noted that people-to-people connections remain fundamental to the bilateral partnership, ensuring its successful development and preparation for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
In the context of global instability, the partnership between the USA and Mongolia demonstrates how sovereign states can successfully cooperate based on shared democratic values and respect for each other's territorial integrity.
Author: Sumyaa Chuluunbaatar — economist and international affairs expert. Currently, Sumyaa works as a freelance researcher at the Institute of International Studies of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
Translation: MiddleAsianNews
Source: The Diplomat
