The European Union has announced its plans to open a delegation in Ulaanbaatar this year in a move that will expand its relationship with Mongolia. The decision to have a presence in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, marks a milestone in European-Mongolian relations, and will help enhance political dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Mongolia, the EU highlighted. High Representative of the European Commission Federica Mogherini said Mongolia has “an important role in a complex region, with a unique geostrategic position. This delegation represents an investment for the European Union in view of strengthening our relationship with Mongolia, and a commitment to the people of the country. Soon we will also conclude our new partnership and cooperation agreement, which is a further demonstration of the importance we place on developing our close ties.” The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said, "The European Union is delivering on a promise to open a fully-fledged delegation in Mongolia– a democratic country strategically located between China and Russia and an important partner for us. I have visited Mongolia three times, the first in 1998 and most recently in 2016. The wonderful progress of this country and its development deserves our warmest congratulations, and certainly merits a full-time European Union presence." With its new delegation in Ulaanbaatar, the EU will have a total of 140 delegations around the world. The decision by the high representative follows the agreement of the commission and the Council of the European Union, and will be implemented in the course of 2017. “The decision to open a delegation in Ulaanbaatar underscores the significant progress that has been made in developing EU-Mongolia relations. The establishment of an EU Delegation in Ulaanbaatar will allow both sides to step up their political dialogue and cooperation and will pave the way for the further strengthening of the partnership,” the EU said in a statement.