The Mongolian nation is celebrating on Saturday the anniversary of the establishment of an independent Provisional People’s Government by the Mongolian People’s Revolution Party.

Mongolia has a rich history. In the 13th century, Genghis Khan and his successors conquered all of China and other territories to the west, including present-day Poland and Hungary. From the 15th century until the early 20th century, Mongolia was ruled by a Buddhist theocracy and a secular Mongolian aristocracy under the Qing Dynasty of China.

In 1911, after the Chinese Revolution, Mongolia declared its independence from China. In 1920, Urga, then the capital of Mongolia, was taken by Baron Roman Nikolaus von Ungern-Sternberg, a Russian anti-Bolshevik general who established a subordinate government. Ungern-Sternberg was defeated by the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) with the help of Russian communists. A socialist regime was established on July 11, 1921.

In 1990, when the former Trade Minister Punsalmaagiyn Ochirbat became president, political and economic liberalization was initiated. A new constitution was ratified in 1992. And a democratic alliance won legislative elections in 1996. In 2000, then Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi made a visit to the Philippines. The visit opened the doors to closer relations between the two countries. A cultural agreement to promote and develop mutually beneficial relations in culture, arts, education, and sports through reciprocal visits, training programs, scholarships, and research exchanges was signed.

At 1.5 million square kilometers, Mongolia is the 19th biggest and the least densely populated independent country in the world. Crop farming and livestock breeding form the basis of Mongolia’s economy. Manufacturing is devoted largely to the processing of agricultural and livestock products.

In the 1990s, Mongolia began a transition from a planned socialist economy under communism to a market system under a democratic government. Economic reforms have included the transfer of some state-owned enterprises to private ownership.

We congratulate the government and people of Mongolia led by Their Excellencies, President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Sanjaagin Bayar, and their consulate in the Philippines, headed by Consul Antonio A. Rufino, on the occasion of their National Day. We wish them all the best and success in their endeavors.