§ 13. Mr. John Grogan (Selby)If he will make a statement concerning the Government's policy towards Mongolia. [86585]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)Britain enjoys a very warm relationship with Mongolia. We have fully supported Mongolia's transition to democracy, and we commend the Mongolian Government's commitment to achieving a market economy. Our educational and cultural links are strong, and bilateral trade, though modest, has real potential to increase. We hope that the relationship will continue to develop in all areas.
§ Mr. GroganDoes my hon. Friend recognise the tremendous achievement of the people of Mongolia, whose national hero is, incidentally, Ghengis Khan? The country borders China but has established a flourishing multi-party democracy in under a decade. The Foreign Office is represented at a donor conference taking place in Ulan Bator; but will my hon. Friend do all he can to support bilateral links between the UK and Mongolia and to encourage our European Union partners to support Mongolia?
§ Mr. HoonI know that my hon. Friend is something of an expert on Mongolia, which, unlike me, he has visited. I hope to visit that part of the world as part of my responsibilities. The Government hope to foster and develop the existing good relationship between the UK and Mongolia.
§ Mr. Ian Bruce (South Dorset)I am sure that the House, which is highly knowledgeable about Mongolia, is aware that the western-oriented Government of Mongolia are not keen to become to close to China—except geographically. When the Minister visits Mongolia, will he attempt to improve our trade and investment links? Given his previous responsibility for the internet, will he explore the ease with which all members of the Mongolian Government can be contacted. It is considerably easier to reach them on the internet than it is to contact UK Foreign Office Ministers.
§ Mr. HoonThe hon. Gentleman is certainly right that there is a good relationship between the two countries, not least because the UK was the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia, setting up an embassy in 1963. Mongolians have not forgotten that signal of support, and the UK has a consequently advantageous position. I have not recently surfed the internet in an effort to contact my counterparts in Mongolia.