Mongolian Speaker of Parliament Gombojavyn Zandanshatar’s recent trip to Moscow underscores Ulaanbaatar’s ongoing efforts to secure energy supplies and deepen economic ties with Russia, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
The visit, which concluded earlier this week, focused on bolstering cooperation in several key areas, including energy guarantees, fuel storage capacity, and the expansion of bilateral trade. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with Zandanshatar on November 17, 2025, during which Mishustin conveyed greetings from President Vladimir Putin to Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, according to a statement released by the Russian government.
“Mongolia is our strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mishustin stated during the meeting. “Our relationship is founded on a long-standing tradition of friendship and mutual support between the peoples of Russia and Mongolia.”
While specific details of the energy guarantees sought by Mongolia remain undisclosed, sources indicate Ulaanbaatar is keen to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on a single supplier. Russia has expressed willingness to assist Mongolia in training its national personnel, with over 70,000 Mongolian citizens having already benefited from Russian educational programs, Mishustin noted.
The discussions also touched upon strategic projects in energy, industry, transport, and culture. The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation between Russia and Mongolia is actively working to create favorable conditions for these projects, co-chaired by Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov. Mongolia is currently in the process of appointing a modern co-chair to the commission.
Russia’s interest in joint ventures with Mongolia is not new. In 2009, then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin urged Mongolia to create new major joint ventures and develop agricultural cooperation, with agreements signed on nuclear, transport, and agricultural cooperation at that time. Aeroflot and Mongolian MIAT also inked a deal for flights between the two capitals. A significant agreement was reached with Russian Railroads (RZD) regarding infrastructure development.
The current push for closer ties comes as Mongolia navigates a complex geopolitical landscape. Russia maintains an embassy in Ulaanbaatar, along with two consulates general in Darkhan and Erdenet, while Mongolia operates an embassy in Moscow and three consulates general in Irkutsk, Kyzyl, and Ulan Ude, as well as a branch office in Yekaterinburg. Both nations are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
As of February 18, 2026, no further details regarding the specifics of the energy agreements or the timeline for implementation have been publicly released by either government. The appointment of Mongolia’s co-chair to the Intergovernmental Commission remains pending.
