President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: President Elbegdorj, dear friends, dear veterans,
I am very pleased to be with you here today and congratulate you on the important event that is this seventieth anniversary of the victory in the battle of Khalkhin Gol.
Our peoples fought together, overcame many hardships together. This chapter in the two countries’ history, when they fought side by side, will forever remain in our peoples’ memory no matter which generation they belong to, and they will never forget those who defeated the invaders, defended Mongolia’s territorial integrity, and ultimately helped to vanquish the enemy in World War II.
This truly was our common victory, and no matter how many decades pass our people will always remember those who gave their lives for the right of today’s generations to have a peaceful present and, I hope, a happy future.
We have reason to be proud of the feats of Soviet and Mongolian soldiers who honourably shared the joys of success and victory and were always ready to come to each other’s aid in moments of need. This was the case during the armed conflict on the Mongolian border, and during the years of the Great Patriotic War.
We lovingly preserve these traditions today and continue to build up the friendly ties between our countries. To this day our relations are distinguished by the spirit of trust and mutual support.
Dear veterans, you know better than anyone at what cost the victory at Khalkhin Gol was achieved. Many of your comrades left their lives on those battlefields. It is said that even the machine guns were starting to melt in the scorching heat of the steppe during those days, but the soldiers stood firm because they were defending their cause and their land.
On this special occasion you are no doubt recalling those youthful years on the frontlines, remembering loyal friends and the soldiers of different nationalities who fought side by side at Khalkhin Gol. Through your steadfast spirit and courage you wrote a glorious page in our people’s unity and in the history of Russia and Mongolia.
Once more, I congratulate you from all my heart on this anniversary, and I wish you good health and long life. Thank you for everything you have done.