Connections Between Mongolia and Australia

Mongolia is a vast country with growing geopolitical significance as one of the fastest growing economies globally. An upcoming panel will feature a discussion between the current Mongolian Ambassador to Australia, a former Australian Ambassador to Mongolia and an international relations scholar, where they will consider the growing connections between Australia and Mongolia.

The panel will explore shared priorities between the two nations, both vibrant democracies with a wealth of mineral resources and a reliance on agriculture, while being committed to sustainable development and regional stability. The role of diplomacy and how strong social ties support open dialogue and collaboration will be considered. Reflecting on multidimensional ties across the broader Asian region, the panel will consider how Australia and Mongolia can continue to strengthen a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership amidst a rapidly changing world.

Introduction by Professor Li Narangoa, ANU

Moderator of panel: Associate Professor Natasha Fijn, ANU
 
Panellists:

• His Excellency Mr Davaasuren Damdinsuren, Ambassador of Mongolia to Australia

Davaasuren Damdinsuren has been the Ambassador of Mongolia to Australia since November 2021. A career diplomat, Ambassador Davaasuren has held notable positions as Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC, USA, and State Secretary and Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

• Katie Smith, recent former Australian Ambassador to Mongolia (2022-2025)

Katie Smith is Director of the South Asia and Mongolia Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), overseeing regional development and bilateral relations with Bhutan, Nepal and Mongolia. She has previously served in Lao PDR, Timor-Leste and Indonesia, and held various DFAT roles in Canberra. She holds degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of New South Wales.

• Dr Joseph MacKay, Fellow in the Department of International Relations, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University

Joseph Mackay holds a PhD in political science from the University of Toronto. He works on the history of international theory and international ordering. His current research engages with western history of reactionary international thought, including historical international structures, hierarchies, and relationalities in East and Inner Asia. 

Light lunch will be provided after the panel.