The United States and Mongolia held their annual Bilateral Defense Forum on September 19, 2025, led by Mr. Alvaro Smith, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, and Major General Gankhuyag Davagdorj, State Secretary of Mongolia’s Ministry of Defense.
According to the meeting readout, the two officials reaffirmed plans to deepen defense ties grounded in mutual interests and a practical approach to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. They reviewed regional security issues and outlined specific avenues to expand cooperation, including military exercises, training programs, security assistance, and potential defense equipment sales.
Discussions also covered how additional defense spending by Mongolia could bolster the Mongolian Armed Forces’ readiness and capabilities, the statement said.
Smith praised Mongolia’s “warrior ethos” and its role in peacekeeping efforts. Both sides underscored the value of their Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership as a means to advance the security and economic well-being of both countries.
