The Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Didier Reynders, inaugurated the first honorary consulate of Belgium in Bhutan this evening. During the official oath taking ceremony, Wangchuk Dorji, Vice-Chairman of Tashi Group, was officially sworn in as the honorary consul of Belgium to Bhutan.
Speaking at the function, the Deputy Prime Minister said it marked a new phase in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. “We already have the privilege to host a Royal Embassy of Bhutan in Brussels.”
The first honorary consul said it was an opportunity to officially represent Belgium in Bhutan. “I will endeavour to duly fulfill the mandate given to me by the Belgian government in assisting Belgian citizens residing or travelling to Bhutan, and enhancing economic relations between Bhutan and Belgium,” said Wangchuk Dorji.
Bhutan and Belgium established formal diplomatic relations in January 2009.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs is on a four-day visit.
While in Bhutan, he also met the Prime Minister, Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley, at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang today.
Lyonchhoen said the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Bhutan this week is historical. He said that Bhutan and Belgium have always collaborated on several international forums and have been on the same side on most issues.
The two leaders spoke of Bhutan’s development philosophy and initiative to elaborate the new development paradigm based on sustainable wellbeing and happiness, and Bhutan’s aspiration for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
The Deputy Prime Minister also met Minister In-charge for Foreign Affairs, Khandu Wangchuk.
