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Press Release

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H.E. Dr. Vivian  Balakrishnan, Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs of  the Republic  of Singapore made his maiden visit to Bhutan from 14 -17 May 2017. This was the first official visit by a Foreign  Minister  from  Singapore  since  the establishment  of  diplomatic  relations  between Bhutan and Singapore in 2002.

During the visit, His Majesty the King granted an audience to the Foreign Minister at Tashichhoedzong  on  15  May  2017.  In  the  afternoon,  the  Foreign  Minister  called  on Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay  and met with Foreign Minister  Lyonpo  Darncho Dorji at the Gyalyong Tshokhang.

During the meeting both sides acknowledged the good relations shared by the two countries and held discussions  on further  enhancing  and  diversifying  bilateral  cooperation  between Bhutan and Singapore. The Foreign Minister announced a training programme by Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) for Bhutanese healthcare professionals in Emergency Medicine and a clinical attachment for Ear, Nose and Throat doctors during the meeting.

The Foreign Minister also met with Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Minister for Economic Affairs and Lyonpo  Dawa  Gyaltshen,  Minister  for  Home  & Cultural  Affairs  after  the  handing  over ceremony of books donated by the Singapore National Library Board to the National Library & Archives of Bhutan on 15 May 201 7.

H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan also met with Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, Minister for Labour & Human Resources and the two Ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources and ITE Education Services Singapore on Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Lyonpo Damcho Dorji hosted a reception in honour of the Foreign Minister of Singapore and his delegation  at the Terma  Linea  Resort & Spa attended  by the senior  officials  from  the Royal Government and international community in Thimphu.

While in Bhutan, the Foreign Minister visited the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu on the day of his arrival and hiked up to Taktshang  monastery in Paro on 16 May 2017. The delegation departed for Singapore  on 17 May 2017. The Minister was accompanied  by the Ambassador of Singapore to Bhutan and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

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