The newly built Bangladesh embassy complex at Hejo in Thimphu in Bhutan was inaugurated on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Bhutan-Bangladesh diplomatic relations.
Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuk of the Kingdom of Bhutan graced the occasion as chief guest.
Among the guests were Dasho Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan; Justice Norbu Tshering, chief justice of Bhutan; Sangay Dorji, chairperson of the National Council of Bhutan; DN Dhungyel, minister for foreign affairs and external trade; Gem Tshering, minister of energy and renewable resources; Asad Alam Siam, foreign secretary of Bangladesh; MA Akmall Hossain Azad, senior secretary of Bangladesh鈥檚 Planning Commission; and Enayetullah Khan, editor-in-chief of the UNB.
The ceremony also brought together personalities, business leaders and senior officials from both Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Participants expressed confidence that the new chancery building would elevate bilateral relations to a new height.
In addition to attending the inauguration, Siam had an audience with the king of Bhutan. He also held meetings with the prime minister, foreign minister and foreign secretary of Bhutan.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overarching issues of bilateral cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, exploring the prospects of signing a Free Trade Agreement and enhancing connectivity to boost trade.
They also discussed the possibility of greater air connectivity between the two countries.
The meetings reviewed progress on the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh, and examined the potential of linking this SEZ with Bhutan鈥檚 Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The foreign secretary assured Bhutan鈥檚 leadership that Bangladesh would extend all possible support to the king鈥檚 vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Bhutan expressed eagerness to export hydropower to Bangladesh, while the two sides also discussed internet connectivity.
Bangladesh, in turn, conveyed its interest in exporting skilled professionals to Bhutan.
