On September 8, 2026, Mr. Alvaro Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War (DASW) for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, led the annual U.S.-Mongolia Bilateral Defense Framework (BDF) with Major General Gankhuyag Davagdorj of Mongolia's Ministry of Defense (MoD).
DASW Smith and Major General Gankhuyag identified a structured roadmap for increasing Mongolia's defense spending over the next five years, ensuring that U.S. security cooperation assistance aligns with U.S. interests and Mongolia's defense requirements. They also discussed practical ways to enhance the Mongolian Armed Forces' capabilities and readiness, expand combined military exercises, and strengthen Mongolia's defense industrial base.
DASW Smith commended Mongolia for its critical contributions to the Board of Peace and Haiti Gang Suppression Force. He emphasized that Mongolia's Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership with the United States remains vital to the defense relationship.
