Bringing the relationship between Vietnam and Bhutan into depth and effectiveness

The State visit to Vietnam by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen from August 18 to 22, 2025 is an important event in the relationship between the two countries.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Tashichho Dzong Palace in Thimpu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan on June 14, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

At the invitation of President Luong Cuong and his wife, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen of Bhutan paid a State visit to Vietnam from August 18 to 22, 2025.

This is the first State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Bhutan since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2012. The visit aims to deepen and effectively develop the bilateral relationship, promoting potential areas between the two countries in the coming time.

The country with the world's top happiness index

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a country in South Asia, located entirely in the Himalayas, bordering China to the north and India to the south, east and west. Bhutan's economy is based mainly on agriculture, forestry, hydropower and tourism.

Known as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan is a place with a simple, peaceful lifestyle where most people follow Buddhism.

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. (Photo: VNA)

Bhutan is one of the pioneering countries in prioritizing the happiness of its citizens, instead of focusing only on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other economic indicators. This country stands out with its unique development model that takes "Gross National Happiness Index - GNH" as a measure for the country's development.

GNH includes 9 areas: psychological well-being, living standards, good governance, health, vitality, community, cultural diversity, time use and ecological resilience. Therefore, the Bhutanese government is always aware of the importance of bringing good things and happiness to people. All basic expenses such as health care, education... are free in this country.

Bhutan is also a country that pays great attention to environmental protection and preserving traditional culture. Currently, Bhutan is the only country in the world with a negative emission index. Half of the country's area is national parks and reserves. People here are happy to live in harmony with nature. Lush forests, pristine landscapes, and fresh air are the conditions for Bhutanese to develop their spiritual life and nurture happiness.

At the same time, the Bhutanese government attaches great importance to preserving the diversity of the country's traditional cultural values. This is not only symbolic but also permeates deeply into economic-social-educational policies.

In foreign affairs, Bhutan has good diplomatic relations with India and member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and is gradually expanding bilateral relations with countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia to enhance trade and development cooperation.

Bhutan is also an active member of the United Nations and important organizations in the South Asian and Indian Ocean region (such as SAARC, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation - BIMSTEC, Non-Aligned Movement - NAM).

Vietnam-Bhutan friendship develops well

Vietnam and Bhutan established diplomatic relations on January 19, 2012. The two countries have a good friendship. Since establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam has always attached importance to its relationship with Bhutan, considering Bhutan one of the leading countries in implementing green growth goals and maintaining "happiness" indicators.

Meanwhile, Bhutan always considers Vietnam as one of the priority countries to promote bilateral relations and wishes to learn from Vietnam's development experience.

The two countries' senior leaders regularly exchange telegrams on each other's important holidays. The delegation exchanges and contacts include: Chairman of the National Assembly (Lower House) of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo visiting Vietnam and attending the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference held in Hanoi (September 2016); Chairman of the National Council (Upper House) of Bhutan Tashi Dorji officially visiting Vietnam and attending the 2019 United Nations Vesak Festival (May 2019); Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai visiting Bhutan to present his credentials (June 2023); Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Thailand, Vietnam Kinzang Dorji visiting Vietnam to present his credentials (September 2024)...

General Secretary and President To Lam with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Vietnam Kinzang Dorji presenting credentials on the morning of September 17, 2024. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Recently, the two countries have made efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation. Bilateral trade turnover has reached about 20,000 USD/year. Vietnam mainly exports to Bhutan wood products, machinery, equipment, tools, spare parts and some other goods.

Vietnam currently has two investment projects in Bhutan with a total registered capital of 937,000 USD.

The two countries still have great potential for cooperation in agriculture, tourism, culture, education, science and technology, digital transformation and green development. Currently, the two sides are considering establishing a consultation mechanism between the two Foreign Ministries and signing a number of agreements as a foundation for cooperation, such as the Air Services Cooperation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two civil aviation agencies.

Bhutan wishes to import Vietnamese goods such as agricultural products, consumer goods, garments, food, electronics, etc., encourage Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Economic Zone, and expand cooperation, connectivity, tourism, spirituality, culture, Buddhism, etc. between the two countries.

Currently, Vietjet Air has organized a number of charter flights to transport tourists to Bhutan on specialized routes; Bhutan Airlines also plans to operate direct flights during peak tourist seasons.

At multilateral forums, the two countries regularly coordinate closely, support each other and continue to strengthen cooperation, especially at the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPA), the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA)... as well as on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Building on the foundation of good friendship, the State visit to Vietnam by Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen from August 18 to 22, 2025 is an important event in the relationship between the two countries.

The visit demonstrates Bhutan’s appreciation for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as Vietnam’s role and position in the region; and also demonstrates Vietnam’s respect for Bhutan. Vietnam always wishes to promote relations with South Asian countries, including Bhutan.

The visit aims to deepen and make the bilateral relationship more effective, especially in areas of cooperation such as trade, investment, agriculture and green development, sustainable tourism, culture, religion, cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that during the visit, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is expected to hold talks with President Luong Cuong, meet with General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and attend a number of other important activities./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dua-quan-he-giua-viet-nam-va-bhutan-di-vao-chieu-sau-va-hieu-qua-post1056095.vnp