Visit of the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Bhutan to attend the 4th Thailand-Bhutan Bilateral Consultations Meeting

During 19 - 20 November 2024, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, led a delegation to Bhutan to attend the 4th Thailand-Bhutan Bilateral Consultations Meeting in Thimphu. On the evening of 19 November 2024, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, hosted a dinner in honour of the Permanent Secretary and the Thai delegation, which was also attended by H.E. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan.

On 20 November 2024, the Permanent Secretary co-chaired the Bilateral Consultations with H.E. Mrs. Pema Choden, Bhutan's Foreign Secretary. Both sides discussed ways to enhance overall bilateral cooperation, especially trade and investment, with an aim to conclude the Thailand - Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest opportunity. They also exchanged views on potential investment opportunities in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project, Bhutan's Special Administrative Region aimed at promoting economic growth and a way of life through mindfulness, wisdom and sustainability.

In addition, other areas of mutual interests were also discussed, including tourism to elevate people-to-people ties, public health, development assistance, technical cooperation, human resource development, and education, with Thailand playing a leading role in providing support in terms of development assistance to Bhutan throughout the years.