On December 16, former Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar was awarded an honorary doctorate by Renmin University of China (RUC).

RUC President Ma Huaide (center right), poses with Damdin Tsogtbaatar (center left), after presenting the degree certificate.

Ma Huaide delivers a speech.

President Ma Huaide described Tsogtbaatar as an outstanding Mongolian statesman and diplomat who has made important contributions to promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deepening cooperation under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and advancing international economic governance. His work has earned wide recognition in the international community.

Ma emphasized that awarding Tsogtbaatar the honorary doctorate is not only a tribute to his academic achievements and distinguished contributions, but also strong recognition of his shared vision with RUC in promoting mutual learning among civilizations and advancing common development. Ma said that he is committed to working together with Tsogtbaatar to cultivate future leaders, promote civilizational exchange, shoulder shared responsibilities and contribute RUC's wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as to regional prosperity and lasting world peace.

Damdin Tsogtbaatar delivers a speech.

In his acceptance speech, Tsogtbaatar stressed that respecting differences, building consensus and deepening friendship constitute the fundamental path to global peace. He highlighted the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, guided by the principle of win-win cooperation and respect for the diversity of world civilizations, in creating a new model of globalization.

Tsogtbaatar expressed his hope that RUC will play a greater role in advancing China's four global initiatives, and proposed establishing a digital think-tank alliance between Mongolia and China. Such collaboration, he said, would unite academic strengths from different countries, build a forward-looking academic hub, and contribute to peace, development and collective responses to global challenges.

Damdin Tsogtbaatar currently serves as a member of Mongolia's State Great Khural. Over the years, he has actively promoted the advancement of China–Mongolia relations. During his tenure as foreign minister, he helped lay a solid foundation for the steady development of the China–Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.

He has also worked to strengthen regional economic integration and global governance, supported Mongolia's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, promoted the development of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor, and initiated the establishment of the "International Research Center for Landlocked Developing Countries", which later received United Nations endorsement.

In addition, Tsogtbaatar has promoted cultural and educational exchanges between China and Mongolia and strengthened youth interactions. Through knowledge exchange and cultural engagement, he has helped deepen mutual understanding and friendship between citizens of the two countries, making significant contributions to the development of bilateral relations.