Alaska-Mongolia Ties

ALASKA-MONGOLIA TIES

Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to and recognize the contributions of an ally to the United States, an ally that has contributed to our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq and who has worked in close cooperation with my State of Alaska.

While their contributions have not received the widespread recognition given to other countries, the nation of Mongolia has been a steadfast friend of the United States. They have not been deterred by those critics who deride the quality of the nations included in the coalition forces.

Mongolia's contributions mean a bit more to the State of Alaska. In September 2004, we marked the 1-year anniversary of the start of the Alaska-Mongolia National Guard State Partnership.

Through the State Partnership Program, a true friendship has developed between Mongolia and Alaska. Our National Guard has established broad working relationships and increased exchanges with their Mongolian partners. They stand side by side with the Mongolian Armed Forces in Iraq as they participate in the coalition fighting the global war on terror. In fact, the Mongolian Ministry of Defense specifically requested Alaska National Guard support based on Alaska's relationship with their nation.

I would like to quote MG Craig Gambell that, ``[a]s long as the Mongolian Armed Forces are willing to send troops in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Alaska National Guard will continue to stand by their side.''

Prior to 2000, Mongolia did not have a national policy of deploying forces beyond its borders. Yet, they were the first coalition country to contribute an infantry battalion to Iraq. The Mongolian Armed Forces are currently providing security to a logistics base in southern Iraq, escorting convoys, constructing military barracks, medical facilities, and local schools. They deserve special recognition for preventing a suicide attack that could have killed hundreds.

Alaska's pairing with Mongolia in the National Guard State Partnership Program is fitting, given our similar geographic size, topography, population density, and climate. The program allows Alaska's soldiers to work with Mongolian forces on professional military skills as well as in military-to-civil and civil-to-civil areas. Beyond the teamwork in Iraq, other events have been coordinated to keep the partnership together for years to come.

Last year, an Alaska National Guard delegation met with Prime Minister Elbegdorj, as well as other senior level government and military leaders in Mongolia. Already plans to send observers both this year and next have been made.

The success that the partnership enjoyed this past year is a direct reflection of the willingness and eagerness on both sides to further our relations. The Alaska National Guard tells me that Mongolia is enthusiastic about their democratic reforms and is aggressively working to meet its goals.

I thank the leaders of Mongolia for their friendship and support, and I look forward to the continued success of this partnership between the Land of the Midnight Sun and the Land of Blue Sky.

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