Vice President Kamala Harris announces open skies agreement between U.S. and Mongolia, allowing for direct flights

Mongolia, known for its rich stores of mineral and rare-earth elements critical to high-tech applications, stands to benefit greatly from this agreement. The direct flights will facilitate easier transportation of these valuable resources, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.

During the announcement, Vice President Harris praised Mongolia as a reliable democracy and friend in the Indo-Pacific region. This recognition of Mongolia's democratic values and stability further solidifies the bond between the two nations.

As part of her visit, Vice President Harris held a bilateral meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. During the meeting, Harris emphasized the importance of space cooperation, which aligns with Mongolia's plans to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in mining rare earths and critical minerals.

Luvsannamsrai expressed his gratitude to Vice President Harris for hosting him and hailed America as Mongolia's "North Star on our democratic journey." This sentiment highlights the strong partnership and shared values between the two countries.

In addition to promoting tourism, trade, business, and investment, the Open Skies Agreement will also pave the way for potential collaboration with prominent figures such as Elon Musk. Mongolia is currently in talks with Musk for possible investment and cooperation in the electric vehicle sector and space exploration. Luvsannamsrai encouraged Musk to explore the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, which shares a similar environment with Mars.

However, it is worth noting that Mongolia has faced challenges due to the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country has experienced inflation of goods, including explosives for mining. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and the impact they can have on nations like Mongolia.

The Biden administration's aim to counter China's influence in the region is also evident in this agreement. By strengthening relationships with Asian countries like Mongolia, the U.S. hopes to create a united front against China's growing dominance.

The "open skies" agreement between the United States and Mongolia marks a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship. The direct flights will enhance trade, promote economic diversification, and deepen cooperation in critical sectors such as mining and space exploration. As Mongolia navigates the challenges of the global economy, this agreement opens up new possibilities for growth and collaboration.