AMBASSADOR: EVERYTHING IS NOT PERFECT, BUT PERSPECTIVES ARE PROMISING

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ Jean Paul Dumont, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Mongolia, has given an interview to the correspondent of MONTSAME News Agency.

Question: You had worked in Mongolia before. What can You tell about those times bilateral relations and their nowadays level?
Answer: I worked in the Embassy of France in Mongolia in 1971-1974 as attache to the Ambassador George Perruche. He was the very first Ambassador of France to be appointed to Mongolia. It happened in 1966 following the year when the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. We will mark the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations this year.
Bilateral relations were very differred from what they are now. A first agreement of scientific and technical cultural collaboration had been signed and acted as foundation for the exchange of teachers to teach Mongolian language in France and French in Mongolia. Trade relations were very modest. Quasi exclusive rights of trade with the countries of Counsil of mutual economic assistance and other socialist countries left almost no place for the western countries. Deputations were exchanged between the National Assembly of France and People's Great Khural of Mongolia which later proved to be very useful for the development of relations.
Situation differs today. Mongolia has an independent policy which we appreciate broadly. She plays a role in the international arena. Mongolian troops are participating in the peacekeeping operations in Africa and Afghanistan.
We appreciate the Mongolian diplomacy of "Third Neighbour" as France qualifies itself. This policy also reminds of that independence France led at the time of the two blocks and what she always wished for Europe.
Today, we live in the world globalised where distance is abolished by the modern means of communication. Nothing of what takes place in Mongolia is not foreign to the Frenchmen and vice versa. President Elbegdorj was one of the first state heads to send a message of sympathy when the tempest Xynthia made dozens victims in the West of France. France will bring its part of support to stockbreeders' most affected families by zud, as it had made it in 2002 and 2004, and last year after the inundations in Ulaanbaatar and in Gobi Altai.
Regarding the cultural plan, the French language teaching is run well but it is regrettable that some establishments left it. About 600 pupils and students study our language in four universities, colleges and 3 secondary schools. The Mongolian-French Center, set up in 2004, has now about 600 students. The Association of the Teachers of French Language has 28 members and has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Over twelve years have passed since a French-Mongolian archeological team participated in exploration of the history of Mongolia notably of the period Hunnu.
French NGOs actively operate in the medicine, sewage cleaning and agrarian development (veterinary surgeon). France is one of the important economic partners of Mongolia. French firms are taking part in redicing air pollution in Ulaanbaatar and expanding sewage construction in Erdenet city. Moreover, AREVA has been participating for several years in development of the mining sector (uranium).
Q: How do You see the nearest future of relations and collaboration between Mongolia and France ?
A: We plan consultative meetings concerning political-economic and cultural attitudes. The wide review will be given to present conditions of bilateral cooperation in the given spheres, on the other hand, it will be visible, what needs to be stimulated.
Q: So how much has Mongolia changed? Tell us about Your impressions.
A: I had not come back to Mongolia since 1974, however, wherever I was working, I would always try to seek for news and information about Mongolia. I also got prepared since the nomination and up to my arrival.
I was surprised seeing the changes here. Your country became opened, showing an exemplary democracy in the region in all respects. The freedom of expression is complete. The Mongolians can freely create in arts, literature, in economics. Of cource, there is no perfection, but perspectives are very promising.
S.Batbayar