Important step forward in Vietnam-Bhutan relations

This is the first State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Bhutan since the two countries established diplomatic relations 13 years ago; marking an important step forward in the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries; demonstrating Bhutan's respect for the bilateral relationship, as well as Vietnam's role and position in the region.

The visit took place in the context of the friendly relations between the two countries that are developing well. Vietnam and Bhutan share many similarities as Buddhist culture permeates the customs, lifestyles and sentiments of many people. Both countries are peace- loving nations and are persistently working towards sustainable development goals.

On January 19, 2012, Vietnam and Bhutan established diplomatic relations, marking an important milestone in bilateral cooperation. In September 2024, the Bhutanese Ambassador to Thailand, who is also in Vietnam, presented his credentials to the President for the first time. The two sides are considering establishing a consultation mechanism between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signing a number of fundamental agreements such as the Air Services Cooperation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Civil Aviation Authorities.

The two countries coordinate well and support each other at regional and international forums. Bhutan supports Vietnam's candidacy for the International Telecommunication Union for the 2015-2018 term, the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term, and the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. Meanwhile, Vietnam supports Bhutan's candidacy for the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the 2025-2029 term.

Vietnam and Bhutan still have great potential for cooperation, especially when Bhutan is opening up, promoting growth and attracting investment with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Economic Zone project. Bhutan encourages Vietnamese enterprises to invest here with many incentives, and at the same time wishes to import agricultural products, garments, food, and electronics from Vietnam. The two countries also aim to cooperate in religion, especially Buddhism, education, human resource exchange, and promote academic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Tourism, especially spiritual tourism, is a potential area of cooperation between Vietnam and Bhutan. Located in the Himalayas, Bhutan has majestic landscapes, a culture closely linked to Buddhism and a development model based on the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index as a measure, focusing on environmental protection, preserving traditions, with the world's only negative emission index. The people promote humility, community ethics and harmony with nature, creating a cohesive and trusting society. These values make Bhutan an attractive destination, attracting more and more tourists, including Vietnam, opening up the basis for promoting tourism cooperation between the two countries.

The reception of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen for a State visit to Vietnam aims to continue implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification of international relations, and proactive international integration. This is also an affirmation of Vietnam's consistent policy of always attaching importance to and wishing to promote relations with countries in the South Asian region, including Bhutan.

Wishing the State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Bhutan a great success, contributing to deepening and making the Vietnam-Bhutan relationship more effective, especially in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, sustainable tourism, religion, etc., thereby strengthening the solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

PEOPLE

Source: https://nhandan.vn/buoc-tien-quan-trong-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-bhutan-post901838.html