Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh of Mongolia visited the Philippines from May 18 to 20, 2025. She came at the invitation of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo.
On May 19, she paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. During the meeting, she delivered a letter from Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa.
To begin with, both sides emphasized the value of their 50-year diplomatic relationship. They also looked ahead to deeper ties in the next half-century. Furthermore, they shared a clear goal: economic cooperation and green growth.
Minister Battsetseg proposed new trade opportunities. Specifically, she offered to expand exports of Mongolian wool and hides. In response, President Marcos Jr. welcomed the idea. He also expressed interest in investing in Mongolia’s growing manufacturing sector.
Additionally, the two leaders explored collaboration in agriculture and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises. As a result, they laid the foundation for stronger commercial ties.
Afterward, their discussions turned to labor and education. Both countries agreed to improve legal frameworks for labor cooperation. Moreover, they supported an English-language teacher exchange program. This move aims to benefit both labor markets.
Importantly, they also stressed the urgent need for economic cooperation and green growth in climate action. Mongolia’s “Billions of Trees” campaign aligns with the Philippines’ “Five Million Trees by 2028” plan. Therefore, they pledged to work on joint environmental projects.
Meanwhile, Minister Battsetseg proposed direct flights between Manila and Ulaanbaatar. According to her, this would boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
She also encouraged Filipino investors to explore fintech, AI, and digital innovation in Mongolia. In addition, she offered support for Mongolian start-ups entering the Philippine market.
Beyond business, she expressed confidence in the Philippines’ continued support for Mongolian citizens living, working, and studying in the country.
In conclusion, both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to economic cooperation and green growth. With new agreements and shared goals, this visit marked a major step forward.
