Japan's Emperor to visit Mongolia, New Khorchin Khan International Airport in the capital is supported by Japan's yen loan
Ambassador Iikawa Masaru of Japan to Mongolia: The state visit of Japan's Emperor to Mongolia will open a new chapter in the relations between Mongolia and Japan
The Mongolian News Agency interviewed Ambassador Iikawa Masaru of Japan to Mongolia on the cooperation between Mongolia and Japan.
Q: Japan has always been closely watched by Mongolians. Do you think when did the bilateral relations begin? What are the important moments in the historical development of the bilateral relations?
A: I am happy to see many Mongolians showing interest in Japan or even feeling a sense of familiarity. We Japanese also have a friendly attitude towards Mongolia. Scholars believe that the history of Japan-Mongolia relations is long, and it can be said that Mongolia's transition to democracy in 1990 greatly changed the bilateral relations. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Mongolia's transition to a democratic system. That is to say, Mongolia and Japan have shared 35 years under common values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Q: Official development assistance projects by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other institutions have been implemented in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education in Mongolia. In your opinion, which of these projects have achieved the most tangible results?
A: Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to Mongolia began with the construction of the Gobi Cashmere Factory in Mongolia, which was implemented as a grant aid according to the Economic Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977. Until 1989, the relationship between the two sides was limited to technical cooperation and cultural aid, mainly including the recruitment of trainees, dispatch of experts, and provision of equipment. However, since Mongolia's transition from a socialist social system to a market economy in 1990, Japan has actively supported Mongolia through grant aid projects, and the first provision of yen loans marked the effective implementation of ODA in many fields. Japan's assistance played an extremely important role during the most difficult period of Mongolia's democratic transition, and continues to steadily cultivate talents needed for Mongolia's development. As of 2024, the total amount of assistance has reached 370 billion yen (2.56 billion US dollars).
All the assistance has been timely and highly effective. I would like to especially emphasize the "Ulaanbaatar New International Airport" built with preferential yen loans.
"Ulaanbaatar New International Airport" is one of the largest projects with a total cost of 65.657 billion yen. The number of passengers increased from about 140,000 in 1999 to 1.75 million in 2024.
With the operation of the new Khubilai Khan International Airport, people's confidence and sense of security at the airport have been enhanced, and it has promoted the development of tourism through the "Go Mongolia" program. In addition, it has brought significant economic benefits and contributed to reaching international standards by increasing air freight volume and promoting the development of the airport area. In January this year, the Japanese government decided to resume providing preferential yen loans to Mongolia.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836664991541443/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.