India fully committed to timely completion of oil refinery project in Mongolia: President
New Delhi, Dec 1 (Agency) India is fully committed to the timely completion of an oil refinery project being undertaken in Mongolia that is a symbol of their strong bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday told a Parliamentary delegation from Mongolia. Welcoming the delegation to India, the President said that India and Mongolia share civilisational, historical, spiritual and cultural ties. The common values and ideals of democracy and freedom strengthen our bonds. As Mongolia’s ‘third neighbour’ and ‘spiritual neighbour’, India looks forward to continued cooperation to further deepen its strategic partnership with Mongolia. He expressed confidence that this visit would add to the vibrancy of our bilateral relationship. The parliamentary delegation is led by Gombojav Zandanshatar, Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia.
Speaking about the developmental projects undertaken by India in Mongolia, the President was happy to note the progress on the Oil Refinery Project in Mongolia. He said that this project is a symbol of India-Mongolia strong cooperation and the strategic partnership. India is fully committed to its timely completion as it would greatly enhance Mongolia’s energy security, he added, an official statement said. The oil refinery project, near Sainshand in southern Dornogovi province, is being undertaken under an Indian Line of Credit of US$1 billion. Its capacity will be 1.5 million metric tons per annum, and is expected to be completed by 2022. The President also said that Buddhism is a special connect between India and Mongolia.
He noted that India’s National Mission for Manuscripts has undertaken printing of Mongolian Kanjur manuscripts. He also noted that India is extending assistance for digitization of Buddhist manuscripts at Gandan Monastery. Speaking about the global issue of climate change, the President said that impact of climate change would be particularly higher on developing countries such as ours. It is imperative that we work together to address this common challenge. He was happy to note that Mongolia has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Pointing to the cooperation between India and Mongolia in facing challenges of Covid-19, the President said that we appreciate the timely and valuable support given to us in the second wave by the Government of Mongolia. He also expressed happiness that India could support Mongolia through the supply of vaccines and medicines.