Press Releases
Courtesy Call by State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU on H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan
March 16, 2026
On March 16, commencing at 5:08 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, made a courtesy call on H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, who is on an Official Working Visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, State Minister KUNIMITSU welcomed Prime Minister Tobgay’s visit to Japan, for the first time since 2018, and stated that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. She expressed her intention to use this milestone as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations. In response, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Government of Japan.
- State Minister KUNIMITSU also stated that considering the recent international situation, countries need to enhance their autonomy and resilience. From this perspective, she stated that Japan would like to expand cooperation for regional peace and stability and further advance a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” initiative, working closely with Bhutan in this effort.
- Furthermore, State Minister KUNIMITSU conveyed that the Royal Infectious Disease Center currently under construction near Bhutan’s capital Thimphu is expected to be completed. Japan plans to start new cooperation for human resource development in infectious disease control. She also explained that she would continue efforts to enhance Bhutan’s autonomy and resilience, including efforts to address access issues to hospitals in Bhutan’s mountainous areas through initiatives.
- In response, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for Japan’s long-standing support and stated his desire to further deepen cooperation with Japan.