King and Queen of Bhutan Pay State Visit to Vietnam

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According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam and Bhutan enjoy a cordial friendship. Senior leaders of the two countries often exchange congratulatory messages on special occasions. The two countries have also engaged in several exchanges and delegation visits.

Bilateral trade turnover stands at approximately USD 20,000 per year, with Vietnam running a trade surplus, mainly exporting wood products, machinery, tools, spare parts, and other goods. At present, Vietnam has two investment projects in Bhutan, with a total registered capital of USD 937,000. Both countries see potential for tourism cooperation, particularly in Buddhist and spiritual tourism. Vietjet Air has previously organized charter flights carrying tourists to Bhutan.

At multilateral cooperation mechanisms, Bhutan is an active member of BIMSTEC - a regional initiative connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, in which Vietnam, though not a member, plays an important connecting role through ASEAN. Bhutan has supported Vietnam’s candidacies for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the 2015-2018 term, the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2020–2021 term, and the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 and 2026-2028 terms. Vietnam supported Bhutan’s candidacy for the Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) for the 2025-2029 term.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan. (Photo: Getty Images)

According to the Bhutanese government, starting in 2025, Bhutan Airlines is expected to operate direct flights between Vietnam and Bhutan, with 10 fixed round trips originating from Ho Chi Minh City during peak tourism seasons. This plan reflects the growing interest of Vietnamese travelers in Bhutan, a destination renowned as the “Kingdom of Happiness,” with pristine nature and meditative experiences.

The two countries are also working towards cooperation in religion, particularly Buddhism, as well as in education and human resource exchanges. Bhutan values collaboration with Vietnam in academic and cultural exchanges and in promoting people-to-people exchanges at regional and international forums.

This state visit is expected to make an important contribution to deepening and enhancing the effectiveness of bilateral relations, while fostering cooperation in potential fields in the coming years. During the visit, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will hold talks with President Luong Cuong and pay courtesy calls on General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, as well as attend a number of other important activities.

Vietnam, Bhutan Agree to Work on Opening Direct Air Route Amidst the modest bilateral trade, the two countries agree to foster collaboration and work together for the opening of a direct air route in the ...

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