Implementing the Third Neighbor Policy: Views from Practitioners

A key pillar of Mongolia’s foreign policy is its pursuit and implementation of the Third Neighbor Policy (TNP). Hoping to guarantee national security interests and diversify the economy, the TNP highlights the desire to forge and strengthen ties with like-minded nations. Among other regional and global partners, Japan and the United States have routinely engaged with Mongolia in an effort
to legitimize the TNP.
 

2022 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Mongolia. The countries enjoy a robust strategic partnership in the political, cultural, and economic spheres, as illustrated by 2022 being designated the “Year of Friendship and Exchanges between the
Mongolian and Japanese Children and Youth.” The recent visit to Japan, by Mongolia’s President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, stresses the two countries’ stable, reliable, and friendly relations. We are eager to examine and discuss how this powerful relationship manifests at the community level, for the average citizen.

2022 was also the 35th anniversary of Mongolia-US diplomatic relations. The partnership has grown stronger and closer based on common strategic interests, shared democratic values, good governance, principles of sovereignty, and respect for human rights. Mongolia recently hosted the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, which
led to the discussion on pursuing the bilateral Open Skies Agreement. Additionally, Mongolia received the new American Ambassador, Richard Buangan, who has been quick to engage with the Mongolian government and public.
 

At this panel discussion, we will hear from practitioners who study, implement, and lay the groundwork for the high-level officials. Ranging from civil-society engagement, to academia, to agricultural studies and exchanges, the relationships between these countries include a multitude of sectors.

Guest Biographies:
 

Yukino Yamakami is an officer of the Japanese Embassy in Mongolia, on her first official tour. She is earning her master’s degree at the Mongolian University of Life Science (ХААИС). She was born in Tokyo and graduated from Shinshu University in Nagano prefecture, with a bachelor’s degrees in agriculture. After graduation, she worked in the Ministry of Agriculture in Japan and spent almost 10 years examining and implementing policies related to dairy products, export promotion, plant protection, and agricultural heritage. She came to Mongolia in April 2022, and is currently studying and working in Ulaanbaatar.

Ms. Luguusharav Byambakhand is a researcher at the Institute of International Relations, Academy of Sciences of Mongolia. Her research focuses on U.S. foreign policy, Mongolia-U.S. relations and Mongolia-NATO relations. She holds a M.A. degree in International Relations and European Studies from the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary and B.A. degree in International Relations from School of Foreign Service, National University of Mongolia. She completed a course on Advanced Security Cooperation by Asia-Pacific Center Security Studies in 2012 and a course on Program on Applied Security Studies by George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in 2014.

John Dwyer is the Assistant Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, where he supervises the team managing educational and professional exchanges, American Spaces in Mongolia, English language programs, and USG program alumni relationships. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri and earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French from Arizona State University. He previously spent two years in Omnogovi aimag as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English and is proud of the years he spent living in a ger in such a supportive community.-John Dwyer is the Assistant Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, where he supervises the team managing educational and professional exchanges, American Spaces in Mongolia, English language programs, and USG program alumni relationships. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri and earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French from Arizona State University. He previously spent two years in Omnogovi aimag as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching English and is proud of the years he spent living in a ger in such a supportive community.
 

Moderator: Nick Millward
Format: In-person, off-the-record (no recording by the host nor the audience), facilitated Q&A.

Location: National University of Mongolia (NUM) Library, Room 502. WWFC+36G, Ulaanbaatar 14200