Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. KUNIMITSU’s Visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan (Results)
From September 8 to September 10, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Kingdom of Bhutan. She exchanged views with the members of the Royal family as well as the high-level officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan. She also attended the ceremony related to economic cooperation projects.
1. Audience with the members of the Royal family
(1) Audience with His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan (September 9)
His Majesty the King expressed his gratitude for the long-standing economic cooperation provided by the Japanese government. Both sides welcomed the increasing bilateral exchanges, including high-level visits, marking the milestone of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan, and concurred on working toward further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
(2) Audience with His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (September 9)
State Minister KUNIMITSU explained Japan’s view on the current international environment surrounding Japan. His Majesty the Fourth King shared his views on the current international situation.
2. Courtesy Call on the high-level officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan
(1) Courtesy Call on H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, followed by the Luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister (September 8)
On September 8, State Minister KUNIMITSU paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan and attended a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Tobgay expressed his deep gratitude for the economic cooperation extended by Japan. Both sides welcomed the further progress made in bilateral relations since the visit of Prime Minister Tobgay to Japan in March this year. They also concurred on working together to further develop the friendly bilateral relationship between both countries, while following up on the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to Japan.
(2) Courtesy Call on D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (September 8)
The two sides exchanged views on various cooperation initiatives between the two countries to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. They also held discussions on areas such as investment, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and international affairs, with the aim of further strengthening bilateral ties during this milestone year.
3. Welcome Dinner and Reception celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan, hosted by D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (September 8)
On September 8, State Minister KUNIMITSU attended a reception hosted by D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade to welcome State Minister KUNIMITSU on her visit to Bhutan as well as to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. In her remarks as a guest of honor, State Minister KUNIMITSU extended her congratulations on the 40th anniversary and expressed her gratitude to the officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan as well as those involved in Japan-Bhutan relations for their efforts to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
4. Renovation Ceremony of “Nishioka Chorten” (September 8)
On September 8, State Minister KUNIMITSU attended the ceremony commemorating the renovation of the "Nishioka Chorten (Stupa) ,” hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan. In her remarks, she noted that many Japanese people are currently active in Bhutan, carrying on the spirit of the late Mr. Keiji NISHIOKA, and expressed her hope for the further promoting of the people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Bhutan, which has lasted over decades.
(Note) The "Nishioka Chorten" was established to commemorate Mr. Keiji NISHIOKA, who was dispatched to Bhutan in the 1960s as an expert under the Colombo Plan and contributed to the country's agricultural development. The Royal Government of Bhutan renovated the Chorten (stupa) this year and held a commemorative ceremony.
5. Grant Aid Handover Ceremony for the "Project for Strengthening Health Care Services in the Eastern Area" (September 9)
On the 9th, State Minister KUNIMITSU attended the Handover Ceremony of a grant aid from the Government of Japan. H.E. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Finance Minister, attended the ceremony and expressed his deep gratitude.
Through this cooperation, medical equipments and supplies were provided for several key medical institutions in the eastern area of Bhutan. This cooperation is expected to strengthen healthcare services in the area and contribute to the sustainable development of Bhutan.