FOREIGN MINISTER BATTSETSEG BATMUNKH RECEIVES FOREIGN AMBASSADORS AND REPRESENTATIVES IN MONGOLIA ON THE OCCASION OF TSAGAAN SAR – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Igawahara Masaru:Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Mongolia Shen Minjuan: UNICEF Representative to Mongolia Mr. Evariste Kouassi-Komlan:I am celebrating the Lunar Year for the second time. I am personally grateful to learn about Mongolian customs and values through this event. It feels good when family members get together as a family, make delicious dumplings and food together, and welcome the New Moon full of joy. I have always felt the hospitality and warmth of Mongolian people, and I feel it even more during the Lunar New Year. Happy Lunar New Year!I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs for inviting us to celebrate the Lunar New Year together. It’s not long since we came to Mongolia, so my wife and I are learning about the Lunar New Year celebrations and customs for the first time. In particular, I am glad that I have learned a lot from today’s event. During the Lunar New Year, I visited many Mongolian families and learned how families celebrate this beautiful holiday together. We were also very touched by the friendly reception and hospitality. I haven’t learned Mongolian yet. By next year’s Lunar New Year, I think I will improve my Mongolian language and hold closer conversations with Mongolian people.I am happy to celebrate the Lunar New Year with all of you during my stay in Mongolia. In particular, the fact that the Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg received us today and celebrated the Lunar New Year together as a family is unique in that it shows solidarity. It is understood that it also shows the tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year with families and relatives. It’s nice to see everyone dressed up in their colorful and beautiful deels today, including myself. I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year and all the best.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of USA to Mongolia Richard L.Buangan:I am delighted to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Mongolia for the very first time. In particular, this year, the Chinese and Mongolian lunar months coincide, which is even more auspicious. I am sure that this Year of the Wood Dragon will be auspicious for the people and the relations between the two countries. I would like to wish you all a happy Lunar Year.The traditional holiday “Tsagaan sar” is a symbol of statehood, independence, heritage and spiritual immunity of Mongolia. The Lunar Year greeting ceremony was hosted to promote the Mongolian traditional culture and customs and symbolize peace and unity through cultural heritages to the heads of diplomatic missions.Happy Lunar Year! It’s my first time celebrating the Tsagaan Sar. On behalf of the British people, I would like to wish Mongolians a Happy Lunar Year and wish everyone happiness in the coming Year of the Wood Dragon. I am very happy to learn Mongolian traditional holidays, customs, and respect for visitors through the Lunar New Year. It is said that the coming Year of the Wood Dragon will be auspicious and wonderful year for Mongolia to be prosperous and peaceful.During the event, Mongolian national music, dance, costumes, traditional games and calligraphs were showcased to guests.Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh received foreign Ambassadors and Official Representatives of the UN and International Organizations in Mongolia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia on the occasion of celebration of Lunar Year of the Wood Dragon.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Mongolia Fiona Blyth:

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