The dynamics of development of relations between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia in modern historical period

Abstract

This article is dedicated to examination of the modern stages of transformation of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia. The subject of this research is the political interaction of Mongolia and the Republic of Korea over the period from 1990 to 2020. The goal lies in the analysis of crucial aspects of the high-level Mongolian-South Korean visits, as well as determination of the key stages in the development of bilateral relations over the period from 1990 to 2020. Research methodology leans on the historical-retrospective method, which allowed tracing the vector and dynamics of the development of relations between the Republic Korea and Mongolia, as well as chronological method aimed at outlining the stages of establishment and development of cooperation and fundamental changes thereof. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that this topic is poorly studied, It is revealed that over the past 30 years, Mongolian-South Korean relations have taken a new leap 4 times. In 1999, the visit of the Korean Leader Kim Dae-jung to Mongolia lead to the establishment of "complementary cooperation" between the two countries; in 2006; visit of the Korean President Roh Moo-hyun to Mongolia in 2006 marks consolidation of the status of “friendly nations”; in 2011, the Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj announced the transition to a "comprehensive partnership". In 2021, the Republic of Korea and Mongolia agreed upon propelling the bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership, which made South Korea the sixth country to achieve a high status of bilateral relations.