HCMC – Bhutan regards Vietnam as one of its top partners in Southeast Asia and looks to strengthen cooperation while learning from Vietnam’s development experience, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said during his state visit to Vietnam on August 19.
At a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam at the Party Central Committee headquarters in Hanoi City, the Vietnamese leader welcomed the King and Queen of Bhutan, underscoring the significance of the first state-level visit between the two countries since diplomatic ties were established.
Lam expressed confidence that the visit, accompanied by senior Bhutanese officials, would mark an important milestone in advancing bilateral friendship and cooperation. He congratulated Bhutan on its development achievements under the King’s leadership, highlighting its development model that values environmental protection, cultural preservation and people’s happiness.
The Vietnamese leader noted that the two countries share similar orientations and goals for development, providing a basis for stronger cooperation.
King Wangchuck expressed appreciation for the warm reception from Vietnamese leaders and people. He commended Vietnam’s resilience in securing national independence and its remarkable economic progress, expressing confidence that the country will realize its development objectives.
The King reaffirmed that Bhutan considers Vietnam one of its priority partners in Southeast Asia and seeks to expand cooperation in multiple areas.
Party General Secretary To Lam welcomed the results of talks between the King and Vietnam’s State President, where both sides agreed to enhance political trust, step up high-level exchanges, share experience in governance, and boost economic, trade and investment cooperation.
They also pledged to expand collaboration in environmental protection, science and technology, innovation, as well as promote cultural, Buddhist and people-to-people exchanges.
Vietnam and Bhutan also agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations. Party General Secretary To Lam welcomed Bhutan’s plan to enhance cooperation with ASEAN.
