Islamabad: On October 17, 2024, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with his Mongolian counterpart, Mr. Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, in a significant bilateral meeting held alongside the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Meeting. This encounter underscored a commitment to deepen the relationship between the two nations, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and cultural ties.

According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Sharif warmly welcomed Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene, celebrating his visit as a milestone in the evolving partnership between Pakistan and Mongolia. The meeting highlighted mutual respect and the potential for increased cooperation, with Prime Minister Sharif congratulating Oyun-Erdene on his recent re-election and expressing enthusiasm for future collaborative efforts.

During their discussions, Prime Minister Sharif proposed several initiatives to enhance bilateral relations, including the exchange of civil servants for training and declaring 2025 the “Pakistan-Mongolia Friendship Year” to strengthen brotherly ties. These gestures aim to solidify the friendship and cooperation between the two countries on multiple fronts.

Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene commended Pakistan for its leadership during the SCO CHG Meeting and echoed the desire to forge stronger bilateral relations through concerted efforts in areas such as trade, tourism, agriculture, and mining. To this end, both leaders agreed to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission and an inter-parliamentary union to facilitate ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

The visit also featured a symbolic gesture of unity and forward-looking cooperation, with the Mongolian Prime Minister planting a sapling in the lawn of the Prime Minister’s House, signifying the growing relationship between the two nations.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan and Mongolia, setting the stage for a closer partnership that promises mutual benefits in the years to come.