Visit of the Parliamentary Delegation to Brussels led by H.E. Tshogpoen Lungten Dorji, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan from 16 to 18 October 2025

The Bhutanese Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon’ble Speaker, National Assembly of Bhutan with Mr. Serban Dimitrie STURDZA, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia, European Parliament.

Hon’ble Speaker with Mr. David McAllister, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament.

Hon’ble Speaker with Mr. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, European External Action Service.

Hon’ble Speaker with H.E. Mr. Peter De Roover, President, House of Representatives of the Belgian Federal Parliament.

A high-level parliamentary delegation led by H.E. Tshogpoen Lungten Dorji, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, comprising Chairs of the Nine Committees visited Brussels from 16 to 18 October 2025 to lead the 8th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) between Bhutan and the European Union (EU), coinciding with the celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and the EU.

The 8th IPM between Bhutan and the EU was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere on 16 October 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Serban Dimitrie STURDZA, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and served as a platform to discuss shared priorities and explore future areas of collaboration.

In addition, the delegation held high-level bilateral discussions with Mr. David McAllister, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; Mr. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, European External Action Service; and officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The engagements focused on Bhutan’s development progress, environmental stewardship, and strengthening of parliamentary institutions, reinforcing the impetus of Bhutan-EU relations for a forward-looking and enduring partnership in the years ahead.

On 17 October 2025, the delegation met H.E. Mr. Peter De Roover, President of the House of Representatives of the Belgian Federal Parliament. During the meeting, the two sides expressed shared interest in institutionalising the Bhutan-Belgian Parliamentary Friendship Group as a mechanism to promote long-term collaboration between the two sides.

Throughout the visit, Hon’ble Speaker highlighted the significance of Gelephu Mindfulness City as a model for sustainable development and invited international partners, especially from the EU, to invest in Bhutan’s transformative vision, guided by the visionary leadership of His Majesty The King.

The visit marks a significant milestone in Bhutan-EU relations, which began in 1985 and have since evolved into a robust partnership grounded in shared values of mutual respect and sustainable development. It reinforces the importance of parliamentary friendship and sets a positive course for the future of Bhutan-EU relations.