Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai: The visit of the King of Bhutan marks history, shapes the future

Đại sứ Nguyễn Thanh Hải: Chuyến thăm lịch sử, định hình tương lai của Quốc vương Bhutan

Vietnamese Ambassador to India and concurrently to Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in India)

On the occasion of the upcoming State visit to Vietnam by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan, Vietnamese Ambassador to India and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai gave an interview to The Gioi Va Viet Nam Newspaper, highlighting the historical significance of the visit as well as the advantages to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the future.

Could the Ambassador tell us the purpose, meaning and importance of the State visit to Vietnam by the King of Bhutan?

At the invitation of President Luong Cuong, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan will pay a State visit to Vietnam from August 18-22.

This visit is of special significance and historical significance as it marks the first time the King of Bhutan has visited Vietnam, 13 years after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2012.

The visit not only demonstrates Bhutan's appreciation for Vietnam's strong development and the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, but also clearly depicts Vietnam's foreign policy: independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification of relations, for peace, cooperation and development.

This is an important occasion to shape and deepen the relationship between the two countries. It is expected that the leaders of the two countries will discuss and orient the bilateral relationship and identify key areas of cooperation in the coming time. The two sides will exchange experiences in national governance, socio-economic development, improving people's welfare, preserving cultural identity and protecting the environment.

I believe that the visit will open a new phase of cooperation, contributing to developing the good friendship between Vietnam and Bhutan more effectively and substantially, for the benefit of the people of the two countries, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai presents the President's Letter of Credentials to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, June 2023. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in India)

Could the Ambassador share the highlights of Vietnam-Bhutan relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2012?

Vietnam and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in January 2012. Since then, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have developed positively.

Leaders of the two countries regularly exchange congratulatory letters and telegrams on important occasions; the early dispatch of Ambassadors after establishing relations has significantly contributed to promoting bilateral cooperation. Vietnam and Bhutan also closely coordinate and support each other in many international forums, especially at the United Nations. Prior to this visit by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck visited Vietnam in 2022, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Tourism cooperation is a highlight in bilateral relations. Many Vietnamese people travel to explore Bhutan, a country famous for measuring development with the happiness index, which has many beautiful natural landscapes and Buddhist temples. At the same time, more and more Bhutanese people travel to Vietnam. Bhutan Airlines' launch of 10 fixed round-trip flights in 2025 has made an important contribution to meeting the needs of Bhutanese tourists to Vietnam.

Although investment and trade cooperation is still modest, more and more Vietnamese enterprises are looking for opportunities in Bhutan. Currently, Vietnam has an investment project in the field of interior design and construction operating in this country.

With the strong development momentum of both countries, the potential for cooperation is still very open, promising to bring more substantial and effective progress.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai, June 2023. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in India)

According to the Ambassador, what should Vietnam and Bhutan do to strengthen cooperation and promote each side's strengths?

Vietnam and Bhutan have many advantages to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

Firstly, Vietnam and Bhutan share Buddhist beliefs, creating a favorable foundation for people-to-people exchanges and promoting tourism, including spiritual tourism.

Second, the two countries share a philosophy of national development. While Bhutan uses the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index to measure development, Vietnam also considers people to be the center of development. Both countries value economic growth along with preserving traditional values, protecting the environment and promoting the development of areas that bring welfare to the people, especially education and health.

Third, both Bhutan and Vietnam are undergoing strong reforms for development, and the need for international cooperation is increasing. In particular, Bhutan is eager for large Vietnamese enterprises and corporations to invest in the Gelephu Mindful City (GMC) project, a special administrative zone under construction with many preferential and open policies, combining green growth goals, in harmony with nature, bringing prosperity and peace to the people.

The Bhutanese government is also interested in Vietnam's development experience in agriculture, food processing, freshwater aquaculture and electrical equipment production; it hopes that Vietnamese enterprises will be interested in investing in infrastructure construction and hydropower development in Bhutan.

To promote cooperation and exploit each side’s strengths, the two countries need to soon establish cooperation frameworks and mechanisms in many fields. At the same time, enhancing aviation connectivity, especially opening direct flights between Vietnam and Bhutan, will facilitate people-to-people exchanges and business activities. At the same time, it is necessary to step up promotion and promotion of tourism, investment and trade, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and expanding business cooperation opportunities.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang received Queen Mother of Bhutan Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in Hanoi, December 2022. (Photo: TGVN)

Ambassador, what special impressions and memories do you have of Bhutan, known as the happiest country in the world?

My biggest impression of Bhutan is the harmonious combination of traditional values and innovative spirit in this country.

When we come to Bhutan, we will see people here wearing traditional costumes in their daily life and at work. Traditional architecture is also maintained and integrated into modern works. Bhutan's main industries are also environmentally friendly industries such as hydropower and eco-tourism.

At the same time, Bhutan has promoted groundbreaking projects that combine the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and technological advancement. In particular, Bhutan focuses on developing the digital economy and innovation, building e-government, and cashless payment infrastructure. Bhutan has now allowed the use of Bitcoin as a voluntary means of payment in the tourism sector.

In particular, the Gelephu Mindful City project initiated by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2023 has brought a strong wind of innovation to Bhutan. The project not only attracts investment and creates jobs, but also serves as a testing ground for a new development model where technology, clean energy and modern architecture blend with Bhutan’s spiritual and environmental elements.

Thus, Bhutan innovates without abandoning the past, but preserves and promotes traditional values in a more modern way. At the same time, Buddhist culture, national identity and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness are harmoniously integrated into the innovation projects in this country.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

"I believe that the visit will open a new phase of cooperation, contributing to the development of the good friendship between Vietnam and Bhutan in an increasingly effective and substantive manner, for the benefit of the people of the two countries, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world." (Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai)