The State of the Nation Report presented by the Prime Minister in the Parliament, today, states that the demarcation of the northern border with China is making progress.
The Report says the 21st Round of Boundary Talks in Thimphu, between the two Countries reaffirmed the commitment to reach an early settlement. It goes on to say the reaffirmation and the commitment will be based on the 1988 Guiding Principles and the 1998 Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility in the Border areas.
The Chinese delegation was led by the Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Zhenmin.
“We reviewed all aspects of the boundary and as agreed during the recent boundary talks, a Joint Technical Field Survey of the Bayul Pasamlung area was undertaken from 6-9 September 2013,” said Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay.
The Report of the Survey will be submitted to the two governments by the Expert Group. “The demarcation of our northern boundary is important and we will continue to remain engaged with the Government of the People’s Republic of China to demarcate our northern boundary.”
Number of other high-level bilateral visits have taken place in the recent past and these visits have served to further strengthen Bhutan’s relations with many countries, the Report states.
“Meaningful engagement in multilateral diplomacy remains an integral part of our foreign policy. Bhutan is a member of many multilateral organisations of which the United Nations is the most important.”
Lyonchhen goes on to say as a responsible member of the International Community, it is in the interest of Bhutan to work with the international community to address many issues and challenges that are on the global agenda.
The Rreport also states that Bhutan will host the 12th Round Table Meeting (RTM) in Thimphu later this year in collaboration with UNDP.
