Kathmandu, 6 January 2001: Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Bastola and his Mongolian counterpart L.Erdenchuluun signed a framework agreement Saturday to promote bilateral trade and co-operation in economic, cultural and scientific research in the presence of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi.

The two land-locked states have also agreed to establish a joint commission at foreign minister level as an “umbrella body” to oversee bilateral ties, an announcement said. Prime Minister Koirala and the Mongolian President

earlier held formal talks to review, bilateral, regional and international issues.

“Mongolia is keen for joint operations in United Nations peace keeping. Mongolia is keen to learn from the Nepalese experience,” Bagabandi told reporters later.

The Mongolian President visited the peace keeping training centre in Paanchkal Friday on the first day of his three-day visit to Nepal. Koirala and Bagabandi

discussed ways to boost so far nominal ties in education, tourism and other sectors, an official said.