*EPF105 07/19/2004
Transcript: U.S. Values Mongolia's Support in War on Terror, Powell Says
(Powell, Mongolian leader discuss North Korea, development aid) (760)

The United States appreciates Mongolia's support in the war against terrorism and in efforts to rebuild Iraq, Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a joint press availability July 16 after a meeting with Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi.

Powell said he and Bagabandi also talked about the need for a Korean Peninsula that is free of nuclear programs.

The secretary noted that Mongolia has been selected as one of the first 16 countries to receive support from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). In this program, the United States offers development assistance to nations that "govern justly, invest in their people and encourage economic freedom," according to a White House fact sheet.

Following is the State Department transcript of the press availability:

(begin transcript)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
July 16, 2004

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
And Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi
After Their Meeting

July 16, 2004
C Street Entrance
Washington, D.C.

(2:45 p.m. EDT)

SECRETARY POWELL: I'm pleased to have had visit the State Department today the President of Mongolia. The United States and Mongolia have very, very good relations. We are allied in the global war against terrorism and we are very appreciative of the support that the people of Mongolia and the Government of Mongolia have given to us.

The President and I also talked about the situation in North Korea and the need for a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. And we had a good conversation about the Millennium Challenge Account. As I think you know, this is an exciting new program where the United States will be able to provide assistance to those countries that are reforming, that are founded on democracy, and are preparing their people for a 21st century economy and world.

And Mongolia was one of the first 16 countries to receive support from the Millennium Challenge Account and we're very excited about that and pleased about that.

So Mr. President, it's a great pleasure to have you here. And I invite you to say a few words for our television audience as well as yours.

PRESIDENT BAGABANDI: (Via interpreter.) The President of Mongolia is paying a visit to the United States. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the President of the United States and to the leadership of this Administration for receiving so warmly the Mongolian President.

Mongolia and the United States are opening a new stage in this relationship, a relationship of confidence, a partnership based on common strategic interests.

Mongolia supports the United States' fight against international terrorism and will continue to support it. And we are also very grateful that Mongolia has been included among the first row of countries to be eligible to receive the funding under the Millennium Challenge Account. And we will continue to cooperate to expand all our relationship in all areas. And we are sincerely grateful that American Government and American people have supported the process of reform in Mongolia from the very beginning. And the support that is being provided by the United States to Mongolia will continue to play a very important role in speeding up the process of development in our country.

Mr. Powell, thank you very much for receiving us so warmly in the walls of the State Department.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you very much, Mr. Bagabandi.

(The Secretary escorts Mr. Bagabandi to his car.)

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, will Mongolia be among the few countries who are letting their troop presence in Iraq expire? Did you get a commitment from him?

SECRETARY POWELL: No, it's quite the contrary. They're with us, they're staying with us. Okay? Thank you.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, I'm a Mongolian journalist. (Inaudible) an agreement. Can you (inaudible) about state agreement two countries?

SECRETARY POWELL: I beg your pardon?

QUESTION: State agreement between two countries? How (inaudible)?

SECRETARY POWELL: We value the relationship that we have with Mongolia. I think the President had a very successful visit. We talked about a number of issues. We are pleased to support Mongolia with our Millennium Challenge Account funding and we really appreciate the support that they have provided to the war on terrorism and our efforts in Iraq. And we had a good talk about the situation in North Korea. And we are just so pleased about the reform that is taking place in Mongolia, and Mongolia will have a friend as they move forward into the future.

Thank you.

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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