US and Mongolia Sign Open Skies Aviation Agreement, Strengthening Indo-Pacific Ties
The United States and Mongolia have signed an Open Skies civil aviation agreement, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene making the announcement during their discussions focused on Russia, China, and economic development. The meeting took place in Washington, as the Biden administration seeks to ease tensions with China and foster closer ties with the Indo-Pacific region.
During the discussions, Harris emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening alliances with Mongolia and other nations in the Indo-Pacific. The key priorities highlighted were combatting the climate crisis, upholding democracies and human rights, and addressing threats to the international rules-based order. Harris pointed out that the Indo-Pacific region is of vital interest to the United States and emphasized the need for an open, interconnected, prosperous, secure, and resilient region.
Mongolia, situated between Russia to the north and China to the south, has strategically cultivated alliances with countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United States to reinforce its political independence. However, its economy heavily relies on its two giant neighbors. In an effort to diversify its economic development options, Mongolia has now signed the Open Skies deal with the US, building on a memorandum of understanding reached earlier this year for an air transport agreement.
The Open Skies agreement grants airlines from both countries the right to operate within each other’s airspace, liberalizing airline regulation and imposing safety and security standards. In addition to easing travel, the deal also opens up opportunities for cargo flights between the two nations.
Furthermore, aside from the aviation agreement, the US and Mongolia have also initiated new cultural exchange programs and English-language training in Mongolia. These initiatives are aimed at providing Mongolia with Washington-backed alternatives for economic development, as foreign investment has been deterred by corruption in the country.
Mongolia, rich in resources such as rare earth minerals and copper, which are critical materials for the electrification of the auto market, presents opportunities for economic cooperation with the United States. The two countries will deepen cooperation in outer space and strengthen their economic ties, with a focus on expanding trade.
Additionally, Mongolia is in talks with Tesla CEO Elon Musk regarding possible investment and cooperation in the electric vehicle sector. Musk’s SpaceX has also been authorized to operate as an internet provider in Mongolia. The prime minister expressed optimism, stating that direct flights between the US and Mongolia are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2024, creating opportunities for trade, tourism, business, and investment.
In conclusion, the Open Skies aviation agreement between the United States and Mongolia strengthens their ties in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal not only facilitates easier travel between the two countries but also opens up possibilities for trade and economic cooperation. Mongolia’s strategic pursuit of alliances and economic diversification showcases its commitment to political independence and development.
