Vietnam and Bhutan Agree to Strengthen Cooperation
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday held talks with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, marking the first-ever visit to Vietnam by a Bhutanese head of state and a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
PM Chính warmly welcomed the King, congratulating Bhutan on its remarkable achievements under his wise leadership, particularly in achieving sustainable economic growth while preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment. He praised Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, calling it an inspiring model for inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.
Reviewing the positive trajectory of relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2012, the Prime Minister highlighted the cultural, economic, and developmental similarities between the two nations. He expressed confidence that the King’s visit would create fresh momentum for Vietnam–Bhutan relations amid evolving regional and global challenges.
PM Chính outlined Vietnam’s development journey and proposed measures to deepen cooperation, including more frequent high-level exchanges, acceleration of bilateral agreements, and enhanced economic connectivity through trade, investment, and market access. He noted Vietnam’s readiness to export products such as food, consumer goods, electronics, and construction materials to Bhutan while importing Bhutanese goods to meet mutual demand.
The Prime Minister also suggested boosting cooperation in cyber security, spiritual tourism, high-quality organic agriculture, and traditional medicine, stressing the importance of establishing a direct air route to facilitate cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck commended Vietnam’s resilience, leadership, and rapid economic growth, describing it as a global success story. He welcomed the proposals put forward by PM Chính, calling them practical and conducive to advancing bilateral ties. Sharing Bhutan’s unique development philosophy, the King reaffirmed his country’s commitment to bringing prosperity to its people while safeguarding the environment and maintaining independence.
The King emphasized that Bhutan regards Vietnam as a trustworthy and important partner in the region, pledging to strengthen cooperation across multiple fields. Both leaders agreed to harness opportunities to elevate their relations to new heights, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions and beyond.
They further agreed to enhance collaboration at multilateral forums, with Vietnam welcoming Bhutan’s intention to expand practical cooperation with ASEAN and other regional mechanisms.
