Mongolian Ambassador Visits With the First Presidency at Church Headquarters

The Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States, His Excellency Batbayar Ulziidelger, met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

He was welcomed by President Dallin H. Oaks, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson at the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ambassador Batbayar concluded his visit to Utah with a dinner hosted by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Last December, Elder Andersen welcomed the ambassador as an honored guest at the commencement ceremony of the long-running Festival of Lights, which takes place at the Washington D.C. Temple to kick off the Christmas season.

Newsroom Elder Andersen and Mongolian Ambassador Open DC Temple Festival of Lights

“May this festival inspire us to continue spreading love and kindness throughout the year and make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place,” Ambassador Batbayar said during the event.

At the recommendation of the ambassador, charitable donations from members of the Church were used to purchase and distribute 3,000 Chromebooks for students in the rural areas of Mongolia.

Newsroom How Donations from Church Members Are Changing the Future for 100,000 Students

“[Ambassador Batbayar] said in Ulaanbaatar they could figure out how to learn English, and they have the tools [necessary], but in these provinces, they need help. They need a way to study online,” Elder Andersen said. “They need electronic features. It’s been a great blessing to so many communities. It is filling a real need.”

The Church of Jesus Christ has been in Mongolia for more than 30 years, and membership numbers now total nearly 13,000. Excitement continues to grow for the planned temple in Ulaanbaatar, which will serve as a sacred place of worship and a symbol of the deepening faith and spiritual strength of Mongolians.