First Vietnamese envoy to Bhutan assumes office

The first ambassador of Vietnam to Bhutan, Ton Sinh Thanh, presented his credentials to king King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 19 June in Tashichodzong.

The King said the assumption of the post by Ambassador Thanh was historic since he is the first ambassador of Vietnam assigned to the position since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2012.

He expressed his hope that the appointment will deepen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and enhance interaction between the two sides at various levels.

Ambassador Thanh said Vietnam had lots to learn from Bhutan in terms of culture, environment, unique national dress and architecture and expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation in the areas of tourism, trade and people to people exchanges.

He also highlighted the shared heritage between Vietnam and Bhutan in terms of history and culture emanating from Buddhism.

Later, he called on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Tobgay conveyed his appreciation on Vietnam’s tremendous socio-economic success and said that Bhutan could draw a lot of inspiration from Vietnam’s achievements.

Ambassador Thanh expressed his interest in drawing lessons from Bhutan’s development paradigm of Gross National Happiness and incorporating its principles in their economic development strategies.

Thanh is Vietnamese envoy to Nepal and India as well.