Senior Minister of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, met with the new ambassadors of Brazil, Afghanistan and the European Union at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang today.

The three Ambassadors, who also received an audience with His Majesty the King, are in the country this week to present their credentials.

Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba welcomed the first ambassador designate of Brazil to Bhutan, H.E Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and said that although formal diplomatic relations between the two nations had been established a long time ago, this visit of the first Ambassador will further strengthen the relationship. Among various other issues, the two leaders spoke on the upcoming Rio Plus 20 summit in Brazil and begin collaboration in the areas such as agriculture and hydropower. Ambassador Duarte is on a four day visit to Bhutan.

New ambassador designate of Afghanistan to Bhutan H.E Nanguyalai Tarzi, in a separate meeting, said that he considers himself lucky to become the first ambassador to Bhutan as the two countries share a very special relationship. They spoke of the many similarities between the two countries. Ambassador Tarzi is also on a four day visit to present his credentials. He arrived in the country on Monday, April 2.

Ambassador designate of the European Union to Bhutan, H.E Joao Gomes Cravinho, assured senior minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba that Bhutan and EU will continue to work closely to tackle the challenges of a changing world and that the EU has high regard for Bhutan. Ambassador Cravinho, who arrived in the country yesterday to present his credentials, said that this is the beginning of a tenure which he seeks to honour especially because of the good relations between Bhutan and the EU. He also met with the Finance Minister and the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs. He will leave the country on Thursday, April 5.