Lyonchhen was called on by the Ambassador of Switzerland
PM was called on by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Linus Von Castelmur
October 7, 2014
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay was called on by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Linus Von Castelmur at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang on October 7, 2014.
The ambassador told Lyonchhen that Bhutanese-Swiss friendship is deeply cherished and valued by the Swiss Government. Mr. Castelmur emphasised on the ‘spirit of compromise’, which connects the two nations, and said that RGoB and the Swiss Government must build on positive association and tap the existing goodwill.
Mr. Castelmur and Lyonchhen discussed on furthering business to business and people to people contacts. Lyonchhen expressed his appreciation and thanked the ambassador for Swiss assistance in the 10th FYP and their commitment in the 11the FYP. Sectors such as education, judiciary, culture, rural infrastructure and renewable natural resources have seen positive benefits of Swiss assistance.
In 2015, Bhutan and Switzerland would be celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations.
Lyonchhen’s visit to ADB, Philippines.
Press Release
Sub: Lyonchhen’s visit to ADB, Manila, Philippines
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, visited ADB’s headquarters in Manila, Philippines on 5
September 2014 on the invitation extended by ADB President Takehiko Nakao.
During the visit, Hon’ble Lyonchhen met with the ADB Board colloquium and addressed
on Board Colloquium: “Three Decades of Development Partnership Between Bhutan and
ADB”. Hon’ble Lyonchhen thanked the Board for their support and the forum provided
an opportunity to clarify on some issues raised by the Board.
Hon’ble Lyonchhen also addressed ADB’s staff as part of its Eminent Speaker Forum on
“Bhutan’s Economic Vision: Prosperity for All” and highlighted on the Government’s
priorities in the areas of tourism, energy, small and cottage industries and mining.
During the visit, Lyonchhen also launched a book entitled “20th by 2020: Bhutan’s drive
for improved governance with the Royal Audit Authority and Anti-corruption
Commission”.
ADB President assured Bhutan of ADB’s continued support. He highlighted that ADB’s
2014-2018 Country Partnership Strategy for Bhutan approved in July 2014 will focus on
transport, energy, urban development, and finance. It will also continue to provide
technical assistance for skills development and water resource management. The newly
established ADB Resident Office in Bhutan is expected to deepen the relationship
between ADB and Bhutan. Hon’ble Lyonchhen thanked for ADB’s financial and
technical support and its contribution to Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
During the visit, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Lyonpo Namgay Dorji and ADB President
signed a loan and a grant agreement of $50.35 million for South Asia Sub regional
Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Project.
Although the visit was brief, it was successful, as it has brought ADB and Bhutan closer
by Lyonchhen’s meeting with the Board and the senior management of the ADB and
provided an excellent opportunity to clearly spell out the priorities of the Government.
This should facilitate better cooperation and targeted development intervention by the
ADB based on the Government priorities.
The ADB is a multilateral development finance institution, which was established in
1966 with 67 member countries. ADB’s views and interests are represented by a Board of
Governors and Manila-based Board of Directors. There are 12 Board of Directors who
represent the 67 member countries of ADB. ADB’s vision is an “Asia and Pacific region
free of poverty”. Its mission is to help its developing member countries (DMCs)
substantially reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people.
Bhutan became a member of ADB in 1982 and is in the same constituency as
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Lao PDR, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Since joining
ADB in 1982, Bhutan had received $337.46 million through 29 loans, $135.39 million
for 9 grants, and $54.89 million for 129 technical assistance projects, as of the end of
2013. ADB is presently, Bhutan’s largest multilateral development partner.
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay assumes office.
Press Release
His Excellency Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay formally assumed office at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang on 29thJuly, 2013. Prior to joining the office, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Ministers visited Punakha yesterday to receive blessings from The Holy Zhabdrung’s Machen. Lyonchhen and the Cabinet Ministers also paid a visit to Dechenphug Lhakhang this morning.
Soon after assuming office, His Excellency Shri V.P. Haran, Ambassador of India to Bhutan paid a courtesy call to Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang today morning. The Indian Ambassador was also introduced to the newly formed Cabinet Ministers.
Lyonchhen and the Indian Ambassador discussed wide range of issues including the recent subsidy withdrawal by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
On behalf of the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay requested Shri V.P. Haran to restore the subsidies which were removed earlier this month. Indian Ambassador informed and conveyed that the Government of India will restore all subsidies from the first week of August this year.
Ambassador V.P Haran also conveyed the Indian Government’s invitation for Lyonchhen’s visit to India. Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay thanked, accepted, and assured that he would make a visit to India at the earliest.
