House of Representatives - March 01, 2005

MONGOLIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIGHTING THE WAR ON TERROR

Mr. Speaker, 

I rise to thank the country of Mongolia for its contributions in fighting the war on terror. After 9/11 the government of Mongolia expressed its strong support for the United States and offered training opportunities for coalition forces and valuable overflight clearances.

Mongolia has supported coalition operations by contributing troops to both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In fact, Mongolia has deployed four rotations in each country. 

And even though prior to 2000 Mongolia had not had a national policy of deploying forces beyond its borders, it became the first coalition country to contribute an infantry battalion in Iraq.

The Mongolian military is participating in peacekeeping, providing security to a logistic base in southern central Iraq, escorting convoys, constructing military barracks, medical facilities and local schools. 

The Mongolian soldiers have proven their bravery and skill over and over, even preventing a suicide attack that could have killed hundreds. For a small country of two and a half million people, these contributions are indeed significant and greatly appreciated, and we thank this important ally.