Anniversary
30 years of legal cooperation with Mongolia

[Translate to English:] Der Generalsekretär, Oliver Jörg, (l.) beim Abendempfang in der deutschen Botschaft Ulaanbaatar mit der Geschäftsträgerin a.i. der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Hana Becker, sowie mit dem Länderrepräsentanten der HSS, Felix Glenk und dem HSS-Kurzzeitexperten, Prof. Dr. Hilgendorf von der Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

As the sounds of the Mongolian brass band fill the halls of the German Embassy in Ulaanbaatar and the festive atmosphere becomes tangible, high-ranking representatives of the Mongolian judiciary, the German Embassy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS) gathered for a remarkable occasion: the 30th anniversary of cooperation between the HSS and Mongolia was celebrated in mid-September 2023. A highlight of this special day was the visit of the Secretary General of the HSS, Oliver Jörg, who was honored by the Chairwoman of the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court, Ms. Munkhtuya, with a plaque for the many years of commitment of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.

The roots of this special partnership go back to a time exactly 30 years ago. Back then, Prof. Dr. Sarantuya, who would later become the longstanding representative of the HSS in Mongolia, was sent to Germany by the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the National University. Her mission was to find a short-term expert who could advise Mongolian lawyers on legal reforms. This step led to an unprecedented cooperation between the HSS and Mongolia, a country that was then embarking on the path of democratic development. This cooperation continues to this day and has become a cornerstone of legal development in Mongolia.

Promoting sustainable development and the rule of law

Over the past three decades, HSS has carried out numerous projects and activities in close cooperation with its Mongolian partners. The aim was to strengthen the rule of law in Mongolia and promote the country's sustainable development. This included symposia, lectures, working visits and the publication of specialist literature. A particular focus was on training Mongolian lawyers in Germany, who would subsequently play a decisive role in the implementation of legal reforms in their home country. It was therefore no surprise that the guests at the German Embassy included many proud HSS alumni, including top judges, distinguished academics and the President of the Mongolian Lawyers' Association.

[Translate to English:] Im Gespräch mit dem Staatssekretär des Ministeriums für Justiz und Inneres der Mongolei, Herr P. Sainzorig, und weiteren Vertretern des Ministeriums und der HSS

Great gratitude for many years of support from HSS

During his multi-day visit in September 2023, Secretary General Oliver Jörg experienced great gratitude in the numerous discussions with Mongolian lawyers and politicians. The Mongolian State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Interior emphasized that the HSS is the most important partner in the legal sector. This was not just empty rhetoric, as was demonstrated at the ceremony in the Mongolian State Khural, Mongolia's parliament. Almost all representatives of the country's legal institutions were present and shared inspiring stories of joint cooperation in their speeches and greetings. One particular success was the support for the introduction of administrative jurisdiction based on the German model, as the President of the Supreme Court emphasized.

German law forms the basis for Mongolian legal system

The influence of not only the HSS, but also other German institutions in Mongolia, is unmistakable. Many interlocutors speak German (around 1% of the Mongolian population speak German) and refer to German law as the basis of a large part of the current Mongolian legal system. This also became clear during discussions with the deputy of the Mongolian State Khoral, Battumur Enkhbayar. The orientation towards the West continues: the constitution was recently amended to introduce a so-called “trench electoral system”, which provides for constituencies and lists like in Germany.

Center for German and European Law is established

More than 30 Mongolian lawyers have studied or conducted research in Germany as part of the cooperation with the HSS. Most Mongolian judges have received training from the HSS. Standard legal works have been published together with Mongolian partners. During the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the National University, Batbold Amarsanaa, and the country representative of the HSS in Mongolia, Felix Glenk, signed a joint declaration on the establishment of a center for German and European law in Mongolia.

[Translate to English:] Übergabe einer Dankesplakette durch die Vorsitzende Richterin der Verwaltungskammer des Obersten Gerichtes der Mongolei an den Generalsekretär der HSS, Oliver Jörg

Mongolia/Bavaria partnership leads to deep friendship

The importance of cooperation with the HSS becomes particularly clear against the backdrop of the complex geopolitical situation in the region. Mongolia pursues a policy of good relations with its direct neighbors, Russia and China, in order to ensure its own stability. At the same time, Mongolian foreign policy emphasizes the importance of relations and exchange with so-called “third neighbors”, including the USA, South Korea, Japan and Germany. In view of the declining budget of German institutions abroad in recent years, especially since the recent federal elections, partnerships with other countries are becoming increasingly important. The HSS would like to continue to support Mongolia when German expertise is required in the legal field and in matters of sustainable development. The gratitude and loyalty that were once again expressed during the 30th anniversary celebrations are certain for the HSS. The partnership between Bavaria and Mongolia, which has also been supported by numerous German short-term experts over the years, has now developed into a deep friendship.

“If, like me, you have been actively involved in the development of the law in Mongolia for almost 20 years and have taken part in countless meetings, consultations and conferences, have given lectures and held discussions, an anniversary like today's brings back countless memories: Of the intensive efforts to achieve modern and humane criminal law and criminal procedural law; of the acquaintances made in the process, which often turned into friendships, of the great hospitality of Mongolia with the yearning sound of horse violins and the mutual singing of folk songs as the highlight; to the vast landscapes that heighten every little feeling to grandiose dimensions and the winter, unique in its clarity, when an icy but magnificent pale blue sky arches over Ulaan Baatar, when the small chimneys of the yurts smoke in the outskirts and the horses trot through the snow on the outskirts”.

Quote: Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Bernd Schünemann, 
long-standing legal expert of the HSS in Mongolia