Japan-Bhutan Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and King Wangchuck of Bhutan
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 22, commencing at around 4:50 p.m. for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, who was visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary NISHIMURA Akihiro and others on the Japanese side, and H.E. Mr. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan.
1. In response to Prime Minister Abe’s welcome remarks on King Wangchuck’s visit to Japan, King Wangchuck stated, “I am pleased that I can attend the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) during my second visit to Japan.” and “I would like to convey my will that Bhutan will continue to be a close friend of Japan.”
2. Prime Minister Abe stated, “I welcome the current trend where economic cooperation has been accelerated and traditional exchanges between the Imperial Family and the Royal Family has developed since the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2016.” In his reply, King Wangchuck stated, “I appreciate various supports from Japan for the past 33 years.” and “I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers for their active roles as Japanese Goodwill Ambassadors in Bhutan.” Prime Minister Abe held an exchange of views regarding promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural exchanges with King Wangchuck.