The Prime Minister, Dr Lotay Tshering met with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz yesterday afternoon. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the chancellor thanked the prime minister and delegation for visiting Germany, stating it as an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to work together and strengthen ties following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in November 2020.
The prime minister was received with a Guard of Honour at the Federal Chancellery in the presence of the German Chancellor.
Following a reception, the prime minister and the Chancellor engaged in open dialogues in private and in extended meetings.
According to the PMO, the Chancellor commended Bhutan for the excellent management of the pandemic, and for securing effective vaccination coverage.
The prime minister also updated the Chancellor on the pandemic experience, the leadership of His Majesty that steered the nation out of it, and Bhutan’s ongoing steps for transformation.
The prime minister said this visit to Germany must kickstart regular interactions and visits at an individual, institution and high levels. The prime minister added such visits will enable a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the two countries to work closely.
The PMO on its social media posted that the two heads of the government agreed to step up technical education in Bhutan through exchanges of students, experts and long-term collaborations in a way that Bhutan visibly attains the standards and skills in the coming years.
The two sides also expressed interest to expand cooperation in the green and renewable energy sector.
The meeting concluded with a joint press conference with the German media, during which the prime minister took questions on the Gross National Happiness development philosophy, the evolving geopolitical dynamics and other areas of collaboration with Germany.
Sherub Dorji
