MFA Press Statement: Introductory Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the Kingdom of Bhutan, 14 to 17 May 2017

          Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is in Thimphu on his introductory visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan. 

          Minister Balakrishnan was granted an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, called on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and met Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji, Minister for Labour and Human Resources Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, Minister for Economic Affairs Lyonpo Leki Dorji and Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Lyonpo Dawa Gyaltshen.  During Minister’s meetings with Bhutanese leaders, he reaffirmed the warm bilateral relations between Singapore and Bhutan, and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

          Minister Balakrishnan and Bhutan Minister for Labour and Human Resources Ngeema Sangay Tshempo jointly witnessed the signing of an MOU on collaboration in the field of technical and vocational education and training between Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Services and the Bhutanese Ministry of Labour and Human Resources.  Minister Balakrishnan presented books to Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Dawa Gyaltshen as part of a handover ceremony for a donation of books from the Singapore National Library Board to the Bhutan National Library and Archives.   Minister Balakrishnan also attended a reception hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Damcho Dorji.  During the meetings, Minister Balakrishnan announced a training programme by Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) for Bhutanese healthcare professionals in Emergency Medicine and a clinical attachment for Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. 

            Minister Balakrishnan will depart Bhutan for Singapore on 17 May.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE 

15 MAY 2017