Intergovernmental commission session opens in Ulan Bator

The 10th session of the Mongolian-Russian intergovernmental commission for trade-economic and scientific-technical co-operation opened on Friday in Ulan Bator.

The Russian delegation is headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev.

The session will consider bilateral co-operation, including the development and expansion of border and regional ties, Mongolia's debt to the former USSR and Russian Federation real estate on the country's territory.

The parties will also discuss making the work of joint ventures more effective, in particular, the Erdenet mine, while issues connected with transport, the energy sector and a series of other possible areas for trade-economic and scientific-technical co-operation will also be on the agenda.

Earlier today in the State Palace, President of Mongolia Natsagiin Bagabandi awarded Gordeyev with the Order of the Pole Star for his "great services in the development of co-operation between the two countries." Gordeyev will also meet Prime Minister Nambaryn Enkhbayar during his visit.

Upon the commission concludes its work on May 24th, a protocol on the results of the 10th intergovernmental commission session will be signed, as will as protocol on trade and economic co-operation for 2003.