Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has visited to Mongolia from March 23 to 25. On the final day of her visit, we had a brief conversation with her while she was meeting students who had learned English as part of a project aimed at improving the skills of English language teachers.
I understand this is your first visit to Mongolia. How has your visit been so far, and what would you highlight as the most memorable moments?
This is my first visit to Mongolia, and it has been a very special few days. I am here as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, and I am truly grateful for the incredibly warm welcome.
UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans
It has also been an important visit, as I was able to co-chair our annual political dialogue with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Amirtuvshin.D , and to meet with the Prime Minister. We have had valuable discussions about the future of the UK–Mongolia relationship, which is a long-standing and deep partnership going back over 60 years, when the United Kingdom was the first country to recognise Mongolia and establish diplomatic relations.
This also reflects our shared democratic values and the importance of investing in people-to-people ties. The way our governments, parliamentarians, media, and civil society work together to advance these values is essential to building a secure and prosperous future for our nations.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone I have met. It has been a very full but important visit, during which we have recognised the challenges of today’s world and how we can work together to support each other’s progress and build the peace and prosperity we need for tomorrow. Thank you very much.
At the end of the 16th Mongolia–UK Roundtable Meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including the Ulaanbaatar Metro project. Could you elaborate on this cooperation?
I was very pleased to co-chair the annual political dialogue during my visit and to see the progress we are making. One example is the Ulaanbaatar Metro project—a visionary initiative that will transform lives in the city and serve as a flagship project for Mongolia.
It is encouraging to see how UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans. There are also opportunities through UK Export Finance to offer unprecedented support for this initiative moving forward. Long-term projects such as this, which reduce congestion, lower pollution, and invest in public transport, deliver significant economic benefits and can be truly transformative. We have seen the impact of such investments in our own country and continue to prioritise them.
I also appreciated our discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as critical minerals. Mongolia has strong potential and leadership in this field. During my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Oyu Tolgoi and observe the partnerships in place, as well as the emphasis on sustainable development, responsible mining, and contributions to local communities. These are important standards for the future.
There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
At a time when we are witnessing increasing global conflicts and challenges to the international rules-based order—values that both the UK and Mongolia strongly uphold—the importance of economic security and diversified supply chains is clear. There is significant potential for deeper cooperation between the UK, with its long history and expertise in mining, and Mongolia, particularly in supporting the UK’s critical minerals strategy and strengthening supply chain resilience.
I have seen this potential firsthand, including during the Critical Minerals Conference in Washington, where I also met the Mongolian Foreign Minister, as well as through recent ministerial exchanges between our countries.
I am also excited about our collaboration in emerging technologies and renewable energy, as we invest in a greener future. There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
Investing in education is particularly important. While today’s leaders shape current discussions, it is through education—especially English language learning—that we nurture the next generation. I was pleased to meet Chevening Scholars during my visit—over 200 since 1993, with another 20 this year.
Through these efforts, we are building future leaders together who will contribute to our economies, societies, and enduring people-to-people ties. I am incredibly proud of this.
What policy or regulatory changes do you believe are necessary to attract more British investment to Mongolia?
There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia, as well as opportunities for mutual learning and partnership.
When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.
It is important to maintain a business environment that is trusted by investors—where disputes can be resolved efficiently, contracts and terms are clear and transparent, and decision-making processes are timely.
In a competitive global environment, it is essential to provide confidence to investors. Whether in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure projects like the Ulaanbaatar Metro, or sectors such as technology and education, businesses need assurance that they are operating in a stable, transparent, and well-regulated environment.
This includes strong professional capabilities, a robust legal and regulatory framework, and conditions that support long-term partnerships. These are the key factors that will enable investment to grow and flourish.
The agreement for Phase II of the Breaking Language Barriers project was signed in December 2025. Could you update us on its progress? Are there plans for a Phase III?
It is very important that we continue building on the success we have already achieved. I am incredibly proud of the progress made in English language education through our partnership. More than 147,000 children across Mongolia have benefited from improved access to quality English language education.
This impact is evident not only in cities but also in rural areas. When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.
I am also grateful to everyone involved in supporting the ongoing development of language teaching, particularly teachers. Nearly 750 teachers have received training, and many have shared how it has strengthened not only their own language skills but also their ability to teach and train others. This helps build long-term capacity and leadership within Mongolia’s education system, while also providing immense satisfaction in supporting young learners.
You mentioned the importance of civil society cooperation. How do you assess its current development, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I am very proud of the work we are doing together to support civil society. This is crucial because it reflects that the UK–Mongolia relationship is grounded in shared democratic values. It is essential to ensure that civic spaces remain active and continue to thrive in order to sustain strong democracies in both our countries.
I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia.
During my visit, I was pleased to support the Youth for Change programme and to see its impact. Through this initiative, we are working with over 25 youth civil society organisations, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, networks, and the ability to drive change in Mongolia.
Investing in civic spaces means investing in leadership and creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and political leadership at both local and national levels. This empowerment supports the next generation of public and political leaders, while also ensuring that policymaking is informed by real experiences and insights.
I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia. Most importantly, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and strengthening a partnership that will continue to endure.
Thank you very much for your time.
Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has visited to Mongolia from March 23 to 25. On the final day of her visit, we had a brief conversation with her while she was meeting students who had learned English as part of a project aimed at improving the skills of English language teachers.
I understand this is your first visit to Mongolia. How has your visit been so far, and what would you highlight as the most memorable moments?
This is my first visit to Mongolia, and it has been a very special few days. I am here as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, and I am truly grateful for the incredibly warm welcome.
UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans
It has also been an important visit, as I was able to co-chair our annual political dialogue with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Amirtuvshin.D , and to meet with the Prime Minister. We have had valuable discussions about the future of the UK–Mongolia relationship, which is a long-standing and deep partnership going back over 60 years, when the United Kingdom was the first country to recognise Mongolia and establish diplomatic relations.
This also reflects our shared democratic values and the importance of investing in people-to-people ties. The way our governments, parliamentarians, media, and civil society work together to advance these values is essential to building a secure and prosperous future for our nations.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone I have met. It has been a very full but important visit, during which we have recognised the challenges of today’s world and how we can work together to support each other’s progress and build the peace and prosperity we need for tomorrow. Thank you very much.
At the end of the 16th Mongolia–UK Roundtable Meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including the Ulaanbaatar Metro project. Could you elaborate on this cooperation?
I was very pleased to co-chair the annual political dialogue during my visit and to see the progress we are making. One example is the Ulaanbaatar Metro project—a visionary initiative that will transform lives in the city and serve as a flagship project for Mongolia.
It is encouraging to see how UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans. There are also opportunities through UK Export Finance to offer unprecedented support for this initiative moving forward. Long-term projects such as this, which reduce congestion, lower pollution, and invest in public transport, deliver significant economic benefits and can be truly transformative. We have seen the impact of such investments in our own country and continue to prioritise them.
I also appreciated our discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as critical minerals. Mongolia has strong potential and leadership in this field. During my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Oyu Tolgoi and observe the partnerships in place, as well as the emphasis on sustainable development, responsible mining, and contributions to local communities. These are important standards for the future.
There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
At a time when we are witnessing increasing global conflicts and challenges to the international rules-based order—values that both the UK and Mongolia strongly uphold—the importance of economic security and diversified supply chains is clear. There is significant potential for deeper cooperation between the UK, with its long history and expertise in mining, and Mongolia, particularly in supporting the UK’s critical minerals strategy and strengthening supply chain resilience.
I have seen this potential firsthand, including during the Critical Minerals Conference in Washington, where I also met the Mongolian Foreign Minister, as well as through recent ministerial exchanges between our countries.
I am also excited about our collaboration in emerging technologies and renewable energy, as we invest in a greener future. There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
Investing in education is particularly important. While today’s leaders shape current discussions, it is through education—especially English language learning—that we nurture the next generation. I was pleased to meet Chevening Scholars during my visit—over 200 since 1993, with another 20 this year.
Through these efforts, we are building future leaders together who will contribute to our economies, societies, and enduring people-to-people ties. I am incredibly proud of this.
What policy or regulatory changes do you believe are necessary to attract more British investment to Mongolia?
There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia, as well as opportunities for mutual learning and partnership.
When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.
It is important to maintain a business environment that is trusted by investors—where disputes can be resolved efficiently, contracts and terms are clear and transparent, and decision-making processes are timely.
In a competitive global environment, it is essential to provide confidence to investors. Whether in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure projects like the Ulaanbaatar Metro, or sectors such as technology and education, businesses need assurance that they are operating in a stable, transparent, and well-regulated environment.
This includes strong professional capabilities, a robust legal and regulatory framework, and conditions that support long-term partnerships. These are the key factors that will enable investment to grow and flourish.
The agreement for Phase II of the Breaking Language Barriers project was signed in December 2025. Could you update us on its progress? Are there plans for a Phase III?
It is very important that we continue building on the success we have already achieved. I am incredibly proud of the progress made in English language education through our partnership. More than 147,000 children across Mongolia have benefited from improved access to quality English language education.
This impact is evident not only in cities but also in rural areas. When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.
I am also grateful to everyone involved in supporting the ongoing development of language teaching, particularly teachers. Nearly 750 teachers have received training, and many have shared how it has strengthened not only their own language skills but also their ability to teach and train others. This helps build long-term capacity and leadership within Mongolia’s education system, while also providing immense satisfaction in supporting young learners.
You mentioned the importance of civil society cooperation. How do you assess its current development, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I am very proud of the work we are doing together to support civil society. This is crucial because it reflects that the UK–Mongolia relationship is grounded in shared democratic values. It is essential to ensure that civic spaces remain active and continue to thrive in order to sustain strong democracies in both our countries.
I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia.
During my visit, I was pleased to support the Youth for Change programme and to see its impact. Through this initiative, we are working with over 25 youth civil society organisations, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, networks, and the ability to drive change in Mongolia.
Investing in civic spaces means investing in leadership and creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and political leadership at both local and national levels. This empowerment supports the next generation of public and political leaders, while also ensuring that policymaking is informed by real experiences and insights.
I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia. Most importantly, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and strengthening a partnership that will continue to endure.
Thank you very much for your time.