Ambassador Minton’s Webchat with National University of Mongolia (NUM) students

Ambassador Minton: Thank you for participating in this webchat.  The internet is becoming more and more popular with Mongolian youth, and this is an exciting way to interact with you.

NUM class: What do you think about Mongolian present situation?

Ambassador Minton: This year marks the 20th anniversary of US-Mongolia relations, a milestone that demonstrates Mongolia’s expanding role in international affairs.  Mongolia has made great progress and the Mongolian people expect and deserve more.
Mongolia’s peaceful transition from socialism to a democracy working towards  a free market economy has important implications for Mongolia, the region, and the United States:
- Mongolia is a partner in counter terrorism and peacekeeping;
- Mongolia is a potential trading partner and site for foreign investment;
- Mongolia serves as a model for other countries transitioning from communism to democracy.
There is room for Mongolia to take a more active role in regional economics and investment flows.  This would certainly benefit Mongolian consumers and businesses, as well as foreign investors.

Bolor, 3rd year student, American Studies: What do we need to do for the development of the country?

Ambassador Minton: I hope Mongolia’s business climate will continue to foster a free enterprise system and transparency because American companies are interested in investing in Mongolia and doing business here.  Opening up to foreign investment and free trade is key to Mongolia’s development.

The mining sector, in particular, draws the attention of major international firms, and could stimulate high-speed growth here, but will require substantial investment and  Mongolia itself does not have the money to fund mining development, which has significant risks.  What if commodity prices drop or alternatives replace these commodities, for example?  Foreign direct investment is the key. American firms with advanced technology and a commitment to local development and environmental protection, not to mention US legal obligations that prevent bribery, are ready to fuel this potential growth provided the Mongolian government and people create a reasonable, transparent, and predictable investment climate.

As students, I would recommend studying foreign languages and learning about the international economy because that will allow you to contribute directly to Mongolia’s future development.

What historical factors do you think had an important impact on the USA’s development?

Ambassador Minton: That is a complicated question, and I think different Americans might focus on different factors. Like Mongolia, the U.S. had vast lands, natural resources, and a small population but lacked funds and technology.  We embraced freedom and responsibility for individuals and our nation.  Our diversity – we are home to many ethnic groups, races, and religions in fact, is one of the unique features of the United States.

Two other key factors that stand out are democracy and a free market economy.  The United States was founded on democratic principles that empower the individual and guarantee basic rights, such as freedom of speech, the press, and religion.  A market economy based on private enterprise inspired entrepreneurs, gave businesses the freedom to start and expand operations, and stimulated economic growth and connection with the outside world through trade.

The State Department just issued an interesting new publication with articles contributed by a number of American historians, and I think you might enjoy it: http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/historians/

Altanchimeg,  3rd year student: What are the activities the US Embassy runs here?                  

Ambassador Minton: The Embassy is involved in many areas because the Mongolia-US relationship is growing.  Right now we are preparing for the important visit of President Enkhbayar to Washington.  As I mentioned earlier, the Embassy wants to support Mongolia’s transition to democracy and a free market.  We are also preparing for the Millennium Challenge Account Compact, which will provide $285 million in assistance to develop the railway, vocational education, property rights, and health.  The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been supporting economic growth and good governance projects in Mongolia since 1991.  The US Peace Corps has nearly 100 volunteers working throughout Mongolia in English Education, Community Health, Youth Development, and Economic Development.  We cooperate with the Mongolian military to provide  training and humanitarian assistance and to develop international peacekeeping skills.  The Embassy promotes educational exchanges and programs to introduce American culture to Mongolians.  We also support English teaching and American Corners in Ulaanbaatar and Khovd.  Certain activities are common to every American embassy in the world.  Our Consular Section is responsible for visas and services for American citizens.  Another important mission is to support American businesses.  And we cooperate with and support  Mongolia on a wide range of issues from A to Z – from Avian influenza (the U.S. provided nearly $1 million to support AI surveillance)  to trafficking in persons.

Zolzaya, 3rd year student , British studies: What rules/principles do you follow in your everyday life?

Ambassador Minton: I think studying issues carefully, respecting and understanding others, and working hard towards a goal are principles that are important in my work as a diplomat as well as in my daily life.  These principles served me well even when I was a student like you.

Bolor: What are you most proud of about your motherland?

Ambassador Minton: I am proud of our democracy with its respect for the individual and human rights and I am proud of our commitment to assist the development of democracy and free markets around the world.

Maral, 3rd year student, American Studies: This summer I heard that the US embassy was planning more scholarship programs to Alaska? Why Alaska? And when?
Ambassador Minton: The University of Alaska is considering planning scholarships for Mongolian students because the city of Fairbanks is seeking to establish a sister city relationship with the city of Erdenet.  There are also other growing connections between Alaska and Mongolia.  For example, the Alaska National Guard has a special relationship with the Mongolian Armed Forces, and members of the Alaska National Guard visit Mongolia almost every year.

Shijir, 3rd year student, American Studies:  What scholarships and examinations are available for students this year?

Ambassador Minton: The Embassy’s competition for Fulbright scholarships is announced around the end of the school year and applications are due in early August.
Most scholarships in the United States are initiated by universities themselves or the private sector and not by government.  Recently, more than about 1,400 Mongolian university or exchange students received visas each year to study in the U.S.
Students can learn more about these opportunities and the required college entrance examinations at the Educational Advising and Resource Center (EARC).  Our Embassy is proud to support the EARC, and I would encourage you to visit their office.  Their website is: http://www.earcmn.org/

Chuluuntsetseg, 3rd year student, American Studies: What activities are being done by the US in regards to the education sector in Mongolia?

Ambassador Minton: The Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Compact for Mongolia will provide a grant of US$285 million to Mongolia to assist in its economic development.  This  includes a $25.51 million project to develop vocational education here.  As I mentioned earlier, the Embassy is also involved in many projects to support English teaching and learning.  About 70% of the 100-plus  Peace Corps Volunteers work specifically as English teachers.  We sponsored the first Teaching English as a Foreign Language conference in Ulaanbaatar in May.  Last year, the Embassy conducted a seminar for Mongolian English teachers, providing them with textbooks and training in lesson planning and curriculum development, and we will repeat this program in November.  We provide scholarships for two years of special English classes for high school students from Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts, and Khovd and Dornod, as well as an English summer camp for students in Bayan Ulgii.  The American Centers in Ulaanbaatar and Khovd are free and open to the public and provide reference materials on the United States, popular and scholarly books, internet, and lectures by American speakers.  I hope you and your classmates use the American Center located in the Ulaanbaatar City Library.  Finally, since we are online, I would also encourage you to look at the English language resources page on the Embassy website at: http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/english_language_resources.html

Undraga, 3rd year student, British Studies: Is it possible to study by correspondence in the US during your time of studies in Mongolia?

Ambassador Minton: I would recommend focusing on your classes and assignments at National University of Mongolia but, if you are a super, energetic an determined  student and have extra time, you can find out more about distance education programs at the following webpage:
http://educationusa.state.gov/study/admissions/distance/programs.htm

Undraga: How many students participate in US student exchange programs every year?

Ambassador Minton: There are many student exchange programs between the United States and Mongolia, a few run by the Embassy, and many run by schools, cities and other private groups, so it is very hard to give an exact figure.  I know 11,000 Mongolians traveled to the United States as students or exchange visitors from 1996 to 2006, and as mentioned earlier about 1,400 student and exchange students received visas last year.

Khishigtogtokh, 3rd year student, British Studies: What actions are being taken in the US against global warming?

Ambassador Minton: I published an opinion editorial on this issue in several Mongolian newspapers on September 27. (http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/speeches2.html)  The State Department just hosted an important international meeting to discuss climate change, the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change, September 27-28.  The State Department website has details on US efforts to address climate change at: http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/fs/2007/83114.htm

Sergelenbaatar, 4th year student, American studies: Is it possible to get assistance establishing long-term contacts and relations (organizing meetings and webchats) between US universities and the American Studies’ students of our University?

Ambassador Minton: That’s a great idea, and the internet makes connections like that more possible now.  I think there would be classes and students in the United States who would be very interested in conducting webchats with you and your classmates.  Our Public Affairs Section could help you establish initial contact with some American schools.

Gantugs, 4th year, American Studies: Is there a special policy on immigration for Mongolia?

Ambassador Minton: Visa application procedures are the same worldwide.  Visa law is determined by the US Congress.  Every foreign applicant must pay the same $100 application fee (required by Congress to recover Embassy visa processing costs) and must have a face-to-face interview and be fingerprinted.  Every foreign applicant must be able to prove to the consular officer during the interview that they will return to their home country, and not remain illegally in the United States.  For information on both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, see the Embassy’s website at http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/introduction2.html or http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
How long will the US troops stay in Iraq?
Ambassador Minton: President Bush made a speech about Iraq on September 13.  You can see the full text online at: http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/rm/2007/92064.htm
Several US Congressmen opposed the Beijing Olympic Games due to human right issues. Are you in favor of Beijing Olympic Games or against it?
Ambassador Minton: The Olympics are a special event that brings the world together for exciting sports competitions.  The United States has no plans to boycott the Beijing Olympics.  In fact, President Bush has said he looks forward to attending the Olympics in Beijing next year.

What is your opinion of Shanghai Five’s role in our region?

Ambassador Minton: The stated aim of the organization, maintaining stability in Central Asia, is one that we support.  It is natural for sovereign nations to form associations with countries with which they share common interests.

Thank you very much for your interesting questions.  Good luck in your studies!

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