In a remarkable diplomatic gesture, heads of state from 72 countries, including Presidents, Kings, Sultans, and Sheikhs, sent congratulatory letters to Mongolia’s President on the occasion of Naadam.  

• 🙌 Although Naadam is primarily a cultural celebration, congratulatory letters are a standard diplomatic gesture. Yet when global powers like China, Russia, and the U.S. express interest in future cooperation, the messages carry added weight, signaling Mongolia’s rising relevance as a trusted partner amid shifting regional dynamics.

🕺 What Did They Say?

The U.S. President highlighted 38 years of results-driven partnership, reaffirming commitment to deepen ties in natural resources, energy, and trade sectors key to Mongolia’s growth. Notably, the U.S. underscored its interest in Mongolia’s rare earth elements.

• 🗣️ The UK King praised strong bilateral relations and shared priorities like climate action and sustainability, echoing Mongolia’s development goals. Last year, former Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Mongolia and voiced interest in its rare earth potential.

⛓️ Eternal Neighbors

Mongolia’s “eternal neighbors,” Russia and China, used their Naadam messages to reaffirm strategic narratives. President Vladimir Putin emphasized the enduring friendship between the 2 countries, signaling Russia’s intent to keep Mongolia closely aligned within its Eurasian stability framework, where Mongolia serves as a regional balancer amid growing geopolitical rivalry.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 President Xi Jinping, meanwhile, invoked geographic proximity and cultural kinship, framing China-Mongolia ties as a deepening strategic partnership and a “model” of good-neighborly cooperation. His message aligns with China’s Belt and Road ambitions, where Mongolia plays a vital role as a transit corridor and resource hub.

👻 Black Sheep

Few countries manage to maintain strong ties with Western democracies while also engaging with authoritarian neighbors such as Russia, China, and North Korea. North Korea’s leader’s recent message highlights Mongolia’s role as a neutral and trusted partner in a complex region. This balanced diplomacy allows Mongolia to act as a rare bridge between East and West, navigating geopolitical divides with stability and pragmatism.

Putting together… Mongolia has consistently maintained a neutral stance amid complex geopolitical tensions between major powers. While some critics label this approach as passive or weak, Mongolia’s position as a landlocked country sandwiched between Russia and China requires careful diplomacy.