Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The first-ever Russian-Mongolia Regions Forum is taking place in Irkutsk on December 1–2, 2025, bringing together over 300 participants from 14 regions of the two countries. In addition to a series of panel discussions, the forum will feature a networking event for business representatives, a joint extended meeting of the Russian-Mongolia business councils for cooperation, an exhibition of enterprises from border regions, and other events.
The official delegations of the states were led by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia Jadambyn Enkhbayar, who opened the plenary session of the forum.
In his speech, Alexey Overchuk noted the growing momentum of Russian-Mongolian cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, which is fueled by regular meetings between the heads of state – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
According to Alexey Overchuk, Mongolia is an important trading partner for Russia. Bilateral trade turnover grew by 17.8% in 2024, and by a further 5% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching $2 billion. To further increase trade volumes and create better conditions for producers, a Temporary Trade Agreement was signed between the Eurasian Economic Union and Mongolia, covering key areas of mutual trade. The agreement is expected to create additional competitive advantages for Russian and Mongolian goods in the two countries' markets, provide new opportunities for revenue growth for Russian and Mongolian companies, and improve product offerings for the benefit of consumers. Furthermore, the agreement will contribute to balancing the trade balance between Russia and Mongolia.
"Mongolian companies will have the opportunity to trade duty-free in the EAEU market, which has nearly 200 million consumers. This is also important for us – the agreement will facilitate the growth of goods on our market," noted Alexey Overchuk.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in addition to addressing the tariff issues covered by the agreement, it is also necessary to address non-tariff measures, the lack of awareness of which hinders the development of cross-border trade. "This concerns customs clearance, sanitary, veterinary, and phytosanitary control measures, standards, and technical regulations. These are areas in which we strive to strengthen cooperation with the Government of Mongolia," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
In addition to the noticeable momentum in dialogue within the EAEU, Alexey Overchuk noted the development of Russian-Mongolian bilateral ties. Russia's role in ensuring Mongolia's energy security by ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel, lubricants, and fuels was noted. Forum participants focused on the two countries' joint efforts to strengthen transport connectivity in Northern Eurasia. "The Ulaanbaatar Railway Joint Stock Company can be considered a symbol of the long-standing friendship between our countries. The company ensures growth in freight traffic both bilaterally and along the Russia-Mongolia-China economic corridor," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
During the forum, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and the Mongolian Ministry of Economy and Development signed a Medium-Term Action Program for the Development of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Mongolia for the period 2026–2030. This program includes over 120 activities in various areas of cooperation between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and Mongolian aimags. A number of interregional cooperation agreements were also signed between the Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Buryatia, and the Republic of Tuva with the Mongolian side.
In addition to the business program, the first Forum of Russia and Mongolian Regions is hosting a series of events to strengthen the cultural, humanitarian, and civilizational ties between the peoples of the two countries. Following the forum's plenary session, the heads of the government delegations, Alexey Overchuk and Zhadambyn Enkhbayar, jointly laid flowers at the Eternal Flame of Glory memorial complex in Irkutsk, demonstrating the Russian and Mongolian sides' commitment to preserving the memory of the harsh military trials and shared victories.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.