Marcos hopes to bolster diplomatic relations with Mongolia

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with visiting Mongolian Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Battsetseg Batmunkh during a courtesy call in Malacañang on May 19, 2025. Photo by  Revoli Cortez/PPA Pool

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he is looking forward to bolstering the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Mongolia.

He said this as he received Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh in a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace.

READ: Philippines, Mongolia agree to broaden bilateral cooperation

“I hope that your visit will spark more interactions between our two countries,” Marcos told the Mongolian Foreign Minister.

Battsetseg’s visit marks the first official visit by a Mongolian Foreign Minister to the Philippines in 41 years.

The last visit was made by then Foreign Minister TS Gombosuren in 1984, during the administration of Marcos Sr.

There are around 500 Filipinos currently residing in Mongolia, with most of them working as teachers, representatives in international organizations, and members of the clergy. / MR