Mr. Alvaro Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (DASW) for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia and Major General Gankhuyag Davagdorj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Mongolia (MOD) conducted the annual U.S.-Mongolia Bilateral Defense Forum (BDF) meeting on September 19, 2025.
The two officials affirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defense relations based on mutual interest and a common-sense approach to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. They discussed regional security matters as well as concrete opportunities to further enhance security cooperation, including through exercises, training, security assistance, and defense equipment sales. They also discussed areas where additional defense expenditure by Mongolia could significantly improve the Mongolian Armed Forces' capabilities and readiness.
DASW Smith commended Mongolia for its embodiment of the warrior ethos and its engagement in peacekeeping operations. Mongolia and the United States emphasized the importance of their Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership in advancing the security and economic prosperity of both countries.