AKIPRESS.COM - German President Joachim Gauck said Thursday that he was impressed by Mongolia's efforts to "strengthen democracy and the rule of law."

"Your country is now in a position to give a good example of fair and free elections in the region," he said, adding that it was clear Mongolia "respects the principles of democracy, even if it's not always easy," reports Deutsche Welle.

Unlike China and Russia, Gauck said, Mongolia had "chosen democracy and a market economy," and would have Germany's support in future development.

Earlier in the day, Gauck was received with military honors by President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (above, left) in the capital, Ulan Bator. Gauck also met with students and teachers at the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology, founded in 2013 as part of a raw materials partnership between the two countries.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has contributed 4 million euros ($4.6 million) to the project, which aims to train specialists in the mineral resource sector.