Analysis of cross-border cooperation between Russia and Mongolia (the case of the Republic of Buryatia)

The article deals with the main trends and prospects of cross-border cooperation between Russia and Mongolia. We gave the characteristics of social and economic development of Russian border regions (the Republic of Buryatia, the Republic of Tyva, the Republic of Altai, Zabaikalsky Krai) and Mongolia. Buryatia as a border region occupies a central position in development of Russian-Mongolian relations. The problems of cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Buryatia and Mongolia are considered in the article. It has been noted that development of their cooperation depends largely on the geographical location, natural and climatic conditions, historical economic traditions, and much more. We have made a com- parative analysis of socio-economic indicators of Mongolia and the border regions of Buryatia, and formed the matrix of SWOT-analysis of the state of border coop- eration between the Republic of Buryatia and Mongolia. Based on these data we have proposed promising areas for developing cross-border cooperation between Russia and Mongolia.