Creating new momentum for Vietnam-Bhutan relations

The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam wishes to promote cooperative relations with Bhutan and suggested that the two sides consider establishing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. (Source: VGP)

On the afternoon of August 19, at the Government headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on the occasion of the King's State visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming the first visit of a Bhutanese head of state to Vietnam, which is an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warmly congratulated Bhutan on the impressive achievements gained under the wise reign of the King in recent times, especially sustainable economic development associated with preserving traditional cultural identity and protecting the ecological environment.

The Prime Minister highly appreciated the philosophy of “Total National Happiness” that Bhutan consistently implements, considering this an inspiring criterion for the international community in moving towards harmonious, inclusive and sustainable development.

Appreciating the positive development of the two countries' relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2012, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam and Bhutan share many similarities in culture, economy and development goals, improving the material and spiritual life of the people.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduces heritages in Vietnam to the King of Bhutan. (Source: VGP)

Believing that the King's State visit to Vietnam will be a great success, creating new momentum for bilateral relations in the context of rapid and complicated developments in the region and the world, the Prime Minister suggested that the two countries promote cooperation to deal with common challenges in the region and the world.

The Prime Minister informed the King about the process of nation building since Vietnam gained independence 80 years ago, and shared about Vietnam's development policies, orientations and goals for the coming time.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam wishes to promote cooperation with Bhutan, and suggested that both sides promote more frequent visits and contacts at high and all levels; consider establishing bilateral cooperation mechanisms; continue to review and promote the signing of cooperation agreements, while emphasizing the need to promote connectivity between the two economies through promoting negotiations and signing of cooperation agreements on economics, trade, and investment, creating conditions for goods from both countries to access each other's markets.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam wishes to promote cooperative relations with Bhutan, and suggested that both sides promote more frequent visits and contacts at high and other levels. (Source: VGP)

Vietnam is ready to export goods that Bhutan needs and that Vietnam has strengths in, such as food, consumer goods, construction materials, electronic products and components, and import goods from Bhutan to meet the needs of the two countries.

The Prime Minister suggested that the two sides consider expanding security cooperation and combating cybercrime; promote cooperation in potential areas such as spiritual tourism, organic and high-quality agriculture, and traditional medicine; and soon establish direct flights to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The King of Bhutan expressed his agreement with the Prime Minister's opinions on measures to promote bilateral relations. (Source: VGP)

Expressing his pleasure at meeting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, King Jigme of Bhutan thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for the warm and respectful welcome given to the King and the high-ranking delegation of Bhutan.

King Jigme highly appreciated Vietnam's endogenous strength in overcoming previous difficulties and challenges, as well as Vietnam's talented leadership, current development orientations, strategies and goals, especially maintaining a high GDP growth rate; saying that Vietnam is one of the few countries in the world with a successful development model.

The King of Bhutan expressed his agreement and gratitude for the Prime Minister's opinions on measures to promote bilateral relations, considering them very practical proposals for stronger cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

Sincerely sharing the philosophy and vision of Bhutan's leaders in developing their country, King Jigme affirmed that as a small country, Bhutan has come up with its own development strategy, building the country with the goal of bringing happiness and prosperity to the people, protecting a clean environment, and maintaining an independent position in the region and the world. Bhutan considers Vietnam a reliable and important partner in the region, and is committed to promoting cooperation with Vietnam in the coming time.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warmly congratulated Bhutan on the impressive achievements gained under the wise reign of the King in recent times. (Source: VGP)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the King of Bhutan assessed that the two countries' cooperation still has much potential and room for improvement. On that basis, they agreed to effectively exploit cooperation in all fields, soon bring the relationship to a new height, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions as well as in the world.

The two leaders agreed that Vietnam and Bhutan need to continue to increase information exchange, coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. Vietnam welcomes Bhutan to enhance practical cooperation with ASEAN as well as other regional cooperation mechanisms.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tao-xung-luc-moi-cho-quan-he-viet-nam-bhutan-324970.html