Mongolia airline buys 3 Boeing planes for $245 mln

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commerce Department says Mongolia's national carrier is buying three Boeing jets for $245 million.

The purchase agreement was announced during a visit by Mongolia's President Tsakhia Elbegdorj.

Elbegdorj is meeting Thursday with President Barack Obama to discuss steps to expand diplomatic, economic and defense cooperation.

The Commerce Department said Mongolian Airlines will acquire one 767-300ER and two 737-800 aircraft, and will get U.S. funding for training airline executives.

The two governments also signed trade and economic cooperation pacts.

Mongolia is an Asian country bordered by China and Russia. One-third of its 2.7 million people live in poverty.

U.S. exports to Mongolia rose 184 percent in 2010, totaling $115 million.