Official website of the President of Russia

Документ   /

Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated the President of Mongolia on the 80^th anniversary of the joint victory in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol and wished him every success.

The President noted that Russia would do everything possible to turn the friendly and time-tested relations with Mongolia into a genuine strategic partnership.

Prior to the official reception, the President of Russia visited an art exhibition marking the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol.

* * *

Speech at gala reception to mark the 80^th anniversary of victory at Khalkhin Gol

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

A representative Russian delegation is visiting Mongolia today to celebrate with our Mongolian friends the anniversary of our common victory in the battle of Khalkhin Gol.

During the bloody fighting 80 years ago, in 1939, Soviet and Mongolian soldiers and officers displayed endurance, stamina, bravery and courage.

It would be no exaggeration to say that the victory at Khalkhin Gol was of historic importance. It played what would be described today as a seriously important role in preventing aggression against the Soviet Union from the East during WWII.

It should also be noted that the military talent of Georgy Zhukov who later became the marshal of victory was revealed during the battles of Khalkhin Gol.

Russia treasures the memory of Mongolia’s priceless support which they gave to our people during the Great Patriotic War. Mongolia did everything to help the Soviet Union.

Tanks and aircraft built with the funds raised by Mongolia took part in the most important WWII battles. Next year we will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Great Victory.

We are grateful to the Mongolian President for accepting our invitation to visit Moscow on May 9.

Traditions of brothers in arms established during the fighting for Khalkhin Gol are being carefully guarded today, too. Russia and Mongolia are engaged in active military and security cooperation.

They are conducting annual military exercises and developing military-technical ties. All this helps to build up the defence capabilities of our countries and promotes stability as well as peace in the region.

Friends,

We appreciate good-neighbourly, time-tested relations with Mongolia. Russian-Mongolian cooperation is steadily developing and covers a whole range of fields.

This was also confirmed during today’s talks when we discussed many urgent bilateral issues and mapped out the horizons of our future cooperation.

Out of the documents signed today I would like to mention the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This fundamental document reflects our reciprocal striving to upgrade our cooperation to a new level and to jointly resolve ambitious long-term tasks facing our two countries.

There’s a Mongolian proverb that goes: “You recognise a horse by riding on it, and you recognise a man by his friendship.” I would like to emphasise that we are sincerely proud of our friendship and fraternal ties with Mongolia and its people and will do everything we can for Russian-Mongolian relations to really become a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In conclusion, I would like to convey my warm congratulations to Mr President and all those present, as well as all Mongolian people on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of our common victory at Khalkhin Gol. I would like to wish all Mongolian people good health, success, prosperity and all the very best.

Thank you.