Relations with Mongolia
NATO and Mongolia are committed to strengthening relations based on shared values and common interests. This includes cooperation on a range of issues including the Women, Peace and Security agenda, climate change and security, emergency management, human security, and cyber defence.
- NATO and Mongolia have been engaged in dialogue and cooperation since 2005. It is one of a number of countries beyond the Euro-Atlantic area – often referred to as “partners across the globe” – with which NATO is strengthening relations.
- Since March 2012, work has been taken forward through an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme. In 2024, Mongolia transitioned to its first Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO, laying out all aspects of NATO’s collaboration with the country.
- Political dialogue and practical cooperation are being developed across several areas, including developing interoperability, addressing emerging security challenges and building capacity through education and training.
- Mongolia provided support for NATO-led defence capacity building efforts in Afghanistan.
Key areas of cooperation
Mongolia’s cooperation with NATO is mutually beneficial and includes:
Building capabilities and interoperability
- Since 2013, NATO provides support to Mongolia for the modernisation of its professional military education system through its Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). Between 2013 and 2017, the Mongolian National Defence University (MNDU) has implemented a new core curriculum for staff officers, reviewed instructors’ teaching methods and placed greater emphasis on English and other foreign language teaching. Furthermore, since 2019, DEEP Mongolia includes assistance in the area of non-commissioned officers (NCO) education. As part of the 2024 review of the programme, the DEEP has also committed to supporting the development of language testing capacity in line with NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 6001, Advanced Distributed Learning capacity and the development of a leadership doctrine for the Armed Forces and leadership courses at the Defence University.
- Since August 2014, the Mongolian Five Hills Peace Support Operations Training Centre has been recognised as part of the network of Partnership Training and Education Centres.
Support for NATO-led operations and missions
- Mongolia contributed troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2014, providing force protection in Feyzabad and flight line security at Kabul International Airport, as well as supporting the training mission in Afghanistan with infantry, artillery and air mentor trainers. Mongolia was part of the follow-on Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces, and was among the largest partner contributors to this mission.
- Mongolia also supported the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) from December 2005 to March 2007.
Wider cooperation
- Mongolia’s participation in the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme has included projects focused on the environmental rehabilitation of former military sites and on the development of resilience and security in information communications technology. From 2017 to 2020, the SPS Programme supported the development of cyber defence capabilities of the Mongolian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the NATO Communications and Information Agency. This project provided equipment, training and technical support for the creation of a Cyber Security Centre, incorporating a Cyber Incident Response Capability for the Ministry of Defence and General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.
- Mongolia and NATO are undertaking joint efforts to build public understanding and awareness of their partnership, including by inviting opinion formers and journalists to events and activities.
- NATO provided practical support to Mongolia to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre, the United States provided USD 1.2 million of support for laboratory systems, track and trace efforts, and technical expertise.