The Mongolian delegation headed by its Foreign Minister next attended the October 14 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Prime Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing.

Russian Premier Putin said he wants to upgrade the SCO’s economic and cooperation activities and to enhance SCO observers’ participation in these mechanisms. Mr. Putin also supported Mongolia’s initiative to host the SCO Business Council meeting in Ulaanbaatar during November 2009.

Heading the Mongolian delegation, Mr. Batbold mentioned that, as the SCO’s first observer, Mongolia is giving attention to expanding SCO institutions, underlining that his country has actively taken part in various SCO activities since 2004, and has put forward many business-related initiatives.

A further recommendation by the Mongolian side is to set up a consultation mechanism within the SCO Secretariat at the level of SCO Ambassadors and country-observers accredited to China. Mr. Batbold confirmed his country’s willingness to improve SCO members’ participation to implement its largest projects, particularly to build the infrastructure required for a natural gas pipeline across its territory. A joint statement has been released as a result of this meeting.

Mr. Batbold also had a meeting with Wen Jiabao to share views on Mongolia-China relations and cooperation, and China’s Premier confirmed his intention to visit Mongolia.

Mr. Batbold’s last meeting was with M. Deora, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and they shared views on cooperation between Mongolia and India.