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Joint Statement between Bhutan and Bangladesh on the occasion of the State Visit of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to Bangladesh from 25 to 28 March 2024

1.His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan is paying a State Visit to Bangladesh from 25 to 28 March 2024, at the invitation of the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shahabuddin. His Majesty The King was accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Queen of Bhutan, His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, and Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck. Ministers and senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan were also part of the Royal Entourage. The visit of His Majesty The King to Bangladesh is a testament of the close ties of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries.

2.His Majesty The King was received by the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh, on arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. King Jigme was presented a Guard of Honour and greeted by members of the Cabinet and senior officials of the Bangladesh Government.

3.His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on 25th March 2024 to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

4.The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh H. E. Dr. Hasan Mahmud MP called on His Majesty The King on 25th March 2024. 

5.His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen will attend the celebration of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on 26th March 2024 as Special Guests. Their Majesties will pay tribute to the memory of the sacrifices of the heroic freedom fighters of Bangladesh at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar, which will include the laying of a wreath, signing the visitors’ book and planting of a sapling. 

6.His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen will meet with the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. Hon’ble President of Bangladesh will host a banquet on 26th March 2024 in honour of His Majesty The King.

7.His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen met with H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on 25th March 2024.

8.The following Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed during the visit:

a)MoU between Bhutan and Bangladesh for Cooperation on establishment of a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu and Health Cooperation.

b)MoU between Bhutan and Bangladesh for Cooperation on establishing Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh by Bhutan

c)MoU between Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority of Bhutan and the Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection of Bangladesh

9.The following Agreement was renewed: 

Agreement between Bhutan and Bangladesh on Cultural cooperation

10.Both sides expressed satisfaction that annual intake of Bhutanese students for admission in MBBS in public medical colleges of Bangladesh has been increasing gradually. To further consolidate the existing momentum of cooperation, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual MBBS seats for Bhutanese students from 22 (twenty-two) to 30 (thirty).

11.Both sides emphasised on strengthening the cooperation on capacity building between the Government officials of the two countries. As part of that, Bangladesh:

a)Offered 2 seats to the Bhutanese Foreign Service Officers every year at the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh – the Diplomatic Training Institute for capacity building. 

b)Foreign Service Academy would also like to extend necessary assistance to Bhutan in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan for their diplomats. 

c)Offered special training to 3 batches of 7-10 Bhutanese Officials each year in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). 

d)Gifted electronic devices (tabs and laptops) Made in Bangladesh with a view to contributing to the capacity building and skill development for the government officials of Bhutan as a special gesture of goodwill and friendship.

 12.During the official meeting, the two sides expressed happiness on the current state of relation between Bhutan and Bangladesh, which is a very special one based on common history, geographical proximity, and the shared aspiration of the people for prosperity and development. 

13.King Jigme expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to Him and the members of His delegation during their stay in Bangladesh.  

14.Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan during Bangladesh’s War of Independence. Hon’ble Prime Minister fondly recalled Bhutan being the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6th December 1971. Both Bhutan and Bangladesh recognised with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship. They stated that the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and cooperation.

15.Both sides expressed happiness that Bhutan and Bangladesh signed the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol in March 2023 which will usher in new horizons for bilateral trade and connectivity. The Agreement and its Protocol will not only be phenomenal for bilateral trade but also will work as a platform for paving the way for an interconnected South Asia.

16Both sides noted that regional and sub-regional connectivity are important means of economic integration and enhancing trade and commerce. They noted with satisfaction that the collaborative efforts between the two sides in connectivity through roads, rail, and waterways will strengthen bilateral ties as well as foster regional integration and economic growth in South Asia. 

17.Both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing trend in trade between Bhutan and Bangladesh in recent years. They expressed satisfaction on the recent initiatives between the two countries for facilitating trade such as Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) – the first of its kind for the two countries, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for seamless use of the inland waterways of Bangladesh.

  18.Bhutan conveyed its appreciation to Bangladesh for offering the ‘Special Economic Zone’ in ‘Kurigram’ in the northern part of Bangladesh, which is 190 kms from the southern city of Gelephu, Bhutan. It is a matter of happiness that an MOU has been signed in this regard by the authorities of Bhutan and Bangladesh. During the visit, His Majesty The King will visit the Special Economic Zone in Kurigram. The Economic Zone will add a new horizon in the area of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries and also for achieving greater prosperity in the South Asia region.    

19.The power and energy sector provides an important area for cooperation between Bhutan and Bangladesh. In this regard, both sides underscored the importance of strengthening subregional cooperation in the energy sector among Bhutan, Bangladesh and India.

  20.Both sides acknowledged that regional cooperation is very important for shared peace and prosperity in the region. They noted that the two countries should work together in the regional organisations like SAARC and BIMSTEC to ensure greater regional cooperation.

21.Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing trend of cooperation between the two countries in the area of health and education. His Majesty The  King will visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery in Dhaka on 26th March 2024 and interact with the officials, doctors and students there. Bangladesh is going to establish a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu which will be another milestone in the bilateral cooperation between Bhutan and Bangladesh in the health sector. 

22.Both sides expressed satisfaction that there has been exemplary people-to-people contact between Bhutan and Bangladesh for decades. They reiterated to further strengthen the people-to-people contact between Bhutan and Bangladesh by connecting the Himalayas in Bhutan with the longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

23.Both sides expressed happiness on Bhutan’s recent graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status. Bangladesh has also completed all the procedures for graduation from LDC and is expected to graduate from LDC status in 2026. Both sides agreed that the two countries can work together in the post-graduation context to collaborate with each other to address the related challenges to ensure greater benefits for the peoples of the two countries.  

24.During the visit, King Jigme will visit the Padma Bridge, a monumental infrastructural feat constructed entirely through the self-financing efforts of the Bangladesh government. This remarkable infrastructure project stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. King Jigme will also visit a Special Economic Zone in Araihazar to witness firsthand the infrastructure and facilities there. 

25.While in Dhaka, His Majesty The King will also meet and interact with the Bangladesh business leaders and potential investors to explore new avenues for economic and commercial ties between the two countries.  

 26.The State Visit of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen to Bangladesh has further strengthened the traditional ties of friendship, cooperation and goodwill between the two countries. 

 27.His Majesty The King of Bhutan extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan. 

 

Press Release

 Visit of His Majesty The King of Bhutan to Bangladesh (25 – 28 March 2024)

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shahabuddin, Hon’ble President of Bangladesh,  His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen will make a State Visit to Bangladesh from 25th to 28th March 2024 to attend the celebration of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on 26th March 2024 as Special Guests.

Their Majesties will be accompanied by His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck; His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck; and Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck; Ministers; and other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

During the visit, His Majesty will meet H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shahabuddin, Hon’ble President of Bangladesh and H.E Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh and other senior officials of the Government of Bangladesh. 

The Independence and National Day of Bangladesh commemorates the country’s declaration of independence and pays tribute to the nation’s martyrs who fought for their independence in 1971. 

The State Visit of His Majesty The King will further deepen the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the governments and peoples of Bhutan and Bangladesh.

 

Joint Statement on the State Visit of Prime Minister of India to Bhutan

             Bhutan and Bharat: Together for Progress and Development

                                            འབྲུག་དང་བྷ་རཱཏ་མཉམ་འབྲེལ་གྱི་ཐོག་ཡར་རྒྱས་གོང་འཕེལ་གྱི་གནས་ཚད་གསརཔ་བཟོ་དོ་ཡོདཔ།

  1. Over centuries, Bhutan and Bharat have enjoyed close bonds of friendship and cooperation anchored in mutual trust, goodwill and understanding. Our cultural links and common geography connect us. Strong economic and financial ties bind us. The close friendship between people of Bhutan and Bharat lies at the heart of our friendship. The relations between our two nations are an example of exceptional neighbourly ties.

 2.The enduring partnership between our two nations is anchored in our common values as well as our shared cultural and spiritual heritage. Bhutan for Bharat and Bharat for Bhutan is an abiding reality of the region, nurtured by the enlightened vision of successive Druk Gyalpos of Bhutan and the political leadership in Bhutan and India.

  3.We express satisfaction with the cooperation between our two countries related to our mutual security. We agree to continue with our close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to our national interests. 

 4.Together, we will pursue a transformative partnership that advances our unique and special relations. This includes promoting connectivity in its broadest form – physical connectivity through rail links, roads, air, waterways, trade infrastructure for seamless cross-border movement of goods and services, economic as well as digital connectivity.

 5.Since Bhutan’s First Five Year Plan in 1961, India’s development partnership with Bhutan has been empowering the people and ensuring development across sectors and regions. Our development partnership is a confluence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan and India’s approach of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. We will continue to expand our development partnership in line with the priorities of the people and the Government of Bhutan, and the vision of His Majesty.

 6.Our energy cooperation is a visible illustration of deep economic engagement, which results in mutually beneficial outcomes. We will continue to expand our clean energy partnership in the sectors of hydropower, solar and green hydrogen and jointly develop new projects, which channel our technological prowess, vibrancy of the business sector, and skilled talent of both countries to enhance energy security in the region. In this regard, we welcome the Joint Vision Statement on Bhutan-India Energy Partnership.

 7.As our nations undergo profound digital and technological transformation, our joint endeavour will be to harness technologies for rapid economic growth and promoting the well-being of the two peoples. We will intensify our engagement in niche sectors of space technology, digital public infrastructure, start-ups, artificial intelligence, clean energy, STEM research and education and digital skills development.

 8.We will strengthen trade and investment linkages with each other, particularly through the private sector, including in the context of His Majesty’s vision to develop the Gelephu Special Administrative Region, which will lead to greater economic connectivity in the region in a sustainable manner, promote economic partnerships and bring the people of Bhutan and Bharat closer.

 9.Excellent people-to-people relations provide the foundation for our exceptional bilateral ties. We will nurture our people to people linkages by promoting exchanges of scholars, academics, tourists, students, youth, sport persons. We will continue to nurture our spiritual and cultural affinities including through visits of people to revered cultural heritage sites in each others’ countries.

 10.We recognize the imperative of accelerating our partnership in sectors which promote youth development through education, skilling, entrepreneurship, technology, sports and creative and cultural industries. The Bhutan-Bharat partnership will respond to the dreams and aspirations of our youth for a better future.

 11.Bhutan has the vision to become a high-income nation by 2034 and is embarking on a new phase in its economic development. Bharat has entered a new chapter in its history, one which is characterised by rapid socio-economic progress and technological advancements, and striving to become a developed nation by 2047 in the Amrit Kaal. In the common quest for progress and prosperity, Bhutan and Bharat will continue to be the closest of friends and partners.

 

Joint Vision Statement on Bhutan – India Energy Partnership

  1. Bhutan and India share an exemplary bilateral relationship characterized by trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels, strong bonds of friendship and close people-to-people contacts. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay had fruitful and wide ranging discussions in Thimphu wherein the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to taking this extraordinary bilateral partnership to new heights, looking into the future. 

 2.The two leaders noted the stellar contribution of clean energy partnership in the development of hydro-power sector of Bhutan, and in providing energy security to the region. Prime Minister Modi appreciated growing domestic capacity of Bhutanese firms and technical agencies in implementation of energy projects. Prime Minister Tobgay congratulated Prime Minister Modi for the remarkable growth of India’s renewable energy sector in recent years, and for his leadership in fostering initiatives such as International Solar Alliance and National Green Hydrogen Mission of India.  

 3.Both Prime Ministers reviewed all aspects of bilateral energy cooperation and expressed satisfaction that projects, which have been jointly implemented, are functioning well and contributing to economic development in Bhutan. Building on the success of the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydro-electric Project, the two leaders look forward to commissioning the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydro-electric Project this year. Both sides welcomed the positive expert-level discussions on a technically sound and cost – effective way forward for 1200 MW Punatsangchhu – I HEP. 

 4.Both the Prime Ministers agreed:  

(i) That the Bhutan-India energy partnership has the potential to benefit both the countries by enhancing energy security, strengthening their economies, generating employment, enhancing export earnings, and contributing to further development of industrial and financial capacities. 

 (ii) That there are unprecedented opportunities to further strengthening this mutually beneficial bilateral clean energy partnership, including through development of new energy projects and trade in electricity. 

 (iii) To engage in the development of new energy projects in the fields of hydro-power, solar and green hydrogen, including through the participation of Indian entities as strategic partners. 

 (iv) That both Governments will review and finalize project – specific implementation modalities for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects. 

 (v) That the Government of India will facilitate necessary access to financing from financial institutions in India as well as market for power sale for new and upcoming hydro-power projects in Bhutan.

 (vi) Power exchange between the two countries shall continue to play an important role in ensuring energy security in the region. In this regard, market access to Bhutanese power producers will be facilitated in accordance with applicable domestic regulations and procedures, through mutually agreed arrangements and delivery points. 

 (vii) In view of the evolving energy markets, to hold regular consultations for enabling investments in energy projects of Bhutan, and for ensuring seamless cross-border trade in electricity. 

 (viii) To work towards greater sub-regional energy cooperation, which would lead to increased inter-linkages between the economies for mutual benefit of all stakeholders. 

 (ix) To strengthen energy cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation through capacity development, information exchange on policies and technologies, and research and development on energy efficient technologies. 

 5.Both Prime Ministers agreed to expedite movement on projects and initiatives on the basis of the Joint Vision Statement for mutual benefit.

 

Press Release

Due to ongoing inclement weather conditions over Paro airport, it has been mutually decided to postpone the State visit of Prime Minister of India to Bhutan on 21-22 March 2024. New dates are being worked out by the two sides through diplomatic channels.

Thimphu

20th March 2024

 

State Visit to Bhutan by H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, from 21-22 March 2024

 His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Republic of India, will make a two-day State Visit to Bhutan from 21-22 March 2024 on the invitation of His Majesty The King. Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by senior officials of the Government of India.

Prime Minister Modi will receive audiences with His Majesty The King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Prime Minister Modi will also meet his counterpart, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will jointly inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu and witness the exchange of the several Memoranda of Understanding for greater collaboration and cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.

Bhutan and India share a unique and enduring partnership based on mutual trust, understanding and goodwill. The visit will provide yet another opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify exemplary partnership for the benefit of the people.

                          Joint Statement on the Official visit of Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay to India

 India-Bhutan Partnership for Shared Prosperity

 At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Bhutan H.E. Tshering Tobgay accompanied by his wife H.E. Tashi Doma is on an official visit to India from 14-18 March 2024. This is Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s first overseas visit after assuming office in January 2024.

 

  1. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is accompanied by Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment as well as senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

 

  1. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and held discussions with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and regional issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval called on Prime Minister of Bhutan.

 

  1. The two Prime Ministers acknowledged that the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan are a source of strength for both partners and the region. Recalling His Majesty’s official visits to India in April and November 2023, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the long-standing and exceptional bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.

 

  1. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan for the successful implementation of the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP), notwithstanding challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as for Bhutan’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries in December 2023. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked the Government of India for its development assistance of INR 5000 crores to Bhutan’s 12th FYP, which has immensely contributed to the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bhutan.

 

  1. Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India remains committed to partner with Bhutan in its quest to become a high-income nation in consonance with the vision of His Majesty the King and the priorities of the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

 

  1. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to step up support for Bhutan’s 13th FYP including to consider request for the Economic Stimulus Program. India’s development assistance will be geared towards the development of infrastructure, building connectivity in its broadest form which includes road, rail, air and digital connectivity, and in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, skilling and cultural preservation.

 

  1. Prime Minister Modi appreciated His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will lead to economic prosperity and development in Bhutan and in the region in a sustainable manner, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between India and Bhutan.

 

  1. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay conveyed the deep appreciation of the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan to the people and Government of India for India’s continued support to Bhutan’s economic development. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shared his assessment of the Royal Government of Bhutan’s priorities.

 

  1. Hydro-power cooperation has been an important pillar of India-Bhutan bilateral economic partnership. Both Prime Ministers reiterated their firm commitment to expanding hydro-power cooperation and directed their officials to hold expeditious consultations on implementation modalities for new projects.

 

  1. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in construction of the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydro power project and looked forward to its commissioning in 2024. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finding a technically safe and cost-effective way forward on the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project.

 

  1. Both Prime Ministers agreed to expand the existing India-Bhutan energy partnership to non-hydro renewables, such as solar and wind as well as green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility besides energy efficiency and conservation measures. The two sides reaffirmed the significance of cooperating closely in the energy sector.

 

  1. Both sides welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Concessionary Financing of INR 1500 crores to the Royal Government of Bhutan for GyalSung- Bhutan’s National Service Program initiated by His Majesty the King for skilling and leadership development of the youth of Bhutan.

 

  1. Both sides lauded the partnership between India and Bhutan in the space technology sector, including recent initiatives such as the technical capacity-building on remote sensing technology organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation for the Royal Government of Bhutan. Both sides welcomed the development of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation.

 

  1. Both sides welcomed measures to enhance connectivity between India and Bhutan, including the development of rail and road connectivity and the upgradation of trade infrastructure for the seamless movement of people and goods. The sides noted with satisfaction the progress on opening of additional points for immigration and trading routes.

 

  1. The two sides noted the progress towards establishment of two rail-links Banarhat (West Bengal) – Samtse (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam) – Gelephu (Bhutan). Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is undertaking the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the two rail-links in consultation with the Bhutanese side.

 

  1. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to continue strengthening the positive collaboration between India and Bhutan in new and emerging areas such as digital technology, start-ups and STEM.

 

  1. The Bhutanese side appreciated Government of India’s support to the development of sports infrastructure in Bhutan. Both sides agreed to strengthen and consolidate ties in the field of youth and sports development.

 

  1. Both sides noted the contribution of Indian teachers for strengthening STEM pedagogy in Bhutan. Both sides agreed that they will expand India-Bhutan partnership in education sector, thereby strengthening the vibrant people to people relations that are at the heart of the India-Bhutan friendship.

 

  1. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked Prime Minister Shri Modi for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation. Recalling the unique civilisational and historical ties of friendship, he reiterated his government’s commitment to working with the Government of India to strengthen bilateral ties.

 

  1. The India-Bhutan partnership is characterized by utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels and is reinforced by robust people to people linkages and close economic and development partnership. The visit of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.

 

  1. On behalf of His Majesty The King of Bhutan, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bhutan at an early date. Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation.

 

  1. From Delhi, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will be traveling to Mumbai where he will meet the Governor of Maharashtra and Indian business leaders.

H. E. Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India called on Hon’ble Foreign Minister on 12th March 2024. During the meeting, a wide range of issues on cooperation between Bhutan and France were discussed.

 

(Hon’ble Foreign Minister with the members of the German-South Asia Parliamentary Group of the German Parliament (Bundestag)

The German-South Asia Parliamentary Group of the German Parliament (Bundestag) led by Hon’ble Renate Elly Künast, Member of German Parliament (Bundestag) called on Hon’ble Foreign Minister on Thursday, 7 March 2024.

The visit is part of an annual visit programme by the German-South Asia Parliamentary Group of the German Parliament to familiarise themselves with the governments and parliamentary systems in South Asia and also to strengthen contacts.

During the meeting, Hon’ble Foreign Minister discussed a wide range of areas of mutual interest to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Bhutan and Germany.

Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Germany was established in November 2020 amidst COVID pandemic reflecting the commitment of both the governments to advance the bilateral relations.

 

 

H.E. Mr. Alexander Wykeham Ellis, the British High Commissioner to India, visited Bhutan from February 29th to March 2nd, 2024. During his visit, the British High Commissioner called on the Honorable Foreign Minister on February 29th, 2024.

 

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