Bhutan has established diplomatic relations with 14 countries from towards the end of last year till March this year, according to this year’s State of the Nation report. The 14 countries are Cuba, Morocco, Luxemburg, Czech Republic, Serbia, Indonesia, Fiji, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Argentina, Costa Rica, Andora and Mauritius.
While presenting the report yesterday, the Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley, said Bhutan has appointed six honorary consuls in Europe and North America.
To further promote Bhutan’s bilateral cooperation and relations with these countries, Lyonchhoen said the government has initiated one year multi-entry visas for Ambassadors accredited to Bhutan and their spouses, beginning from August last year. The government has also introduced Visitors Program for Ambassadors based in the neighboring countries. “This is an innovative foreign policy measure intended to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Bhutan and the International Community,” said the Prime Minister.
Lyonchhoen added that the Visitors Program for the Ambassadors had been possible because of valuable support from the Hotels Association of Bhutan and local tour companies.