Member of Parliament Batchimeg Purev met with Swiss Ambassador Krystyna Marty on April 3. Specifically, Batchimeg serves as head of the Mongolia–Switzerland Parliamentary Group. The two diplomats discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across many sectors. For the first time in 62 years of diplomatic relations, a Switzerland–Mongolia parliamentary friendship group has formed in the Swiss National Council.
Batchimeg congratulated the Ambassador on assuming her duties at the start of the meeting. She then wished Marty success in her diplomatic work throughout Mongolia. Although the two countries are geographically distant, they share common values. For instance, these values include democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Friendly relations and cooperation between the two nations are steadily expanding.
Switzerland serves as Mongolia’s third neighbor and trusted European partner. Consequently, Batchimeg stressed that inter-parliamentary cooperation plays an important role. It helps expand relations in key social and economic sectors. She also noted that Mongolia has made significant democratic progress recently. The current 126-member parliament includes representatives from five parties and coalitions. Remarkably, 32 women members serve in this legislative body. In fact, this figure represents a leading proportion across all of Asia.
Mongolia is making efforts to ensure gender equality across key economic sectors. The government wants to increase women’s employment through targeted policies. Furthermore, supporting women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises remains a priority. The two sides agreed that significant cooperation potential exists in several areas. For example, developing traditional livestock husbandry based on best practices offers mutual benefits. Addressing climate change and environmental issues also presents collaboration opportunities.
Both parties noted the successful implementation of numerous joint projects. These projects aim to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and parliamentary governance. Specifically, the Strengthening Parliamentary Institution project has progressed successfully. The Secretariat of the State Great Khural implements this project with Swiss support. Additionally, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation provides technical assistance. As a result, the newly established parliamentary friendship group builds on these existing successful programs.
Ambassador Marty expressed her gratitude for receiving the meeting invitation. She affirmed her commitment to supporting bilateral relations at a new level. Marty emphasized that full potential exists to consolidate past achievements. Therefore, traditional cooperation can expand across many social and economic sectors. Both sides agreed that ensuring gender equality drives national development. They exchanged views on supporting women’s leadership through various cooperative efforts. Finally, Marty noted that establishing this parliamentary friendship group in both countries strengthens legislative cooperation. She intends to actively promote people-to-people relations throughout her tenure in Mongolia.
