Press Release

At the invitation of the Italy – Bhutan Friendship Society (Association Amici del Bhutan – Italy) Ambassador Pema Choden attended the Bhutan e Toscana: eccelenze della culture e del buon vivere event (Bhutan and Tuscany; Excellence in Culture and Good Living) in Florence on 19 May 2017. Speaking at the event, she conveyed the warm greetings of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan and the Prime Minister to the members of the Society. She also thanked the members of the Society for their friendship and for promoting Bhutan in Italy.  The scholars and friends of Bhutan made presentations about Bhutan’s historical, architectural and maintenance of unique traditions in the quest of modern development. The event was attended by over 100 participants including members of the Friendship Society, students and individuals from the Tuscany region.

The event was organized in collaboration with the President of the Regional Council of Tuscany and the Society. The Head of Institutional Relations of the Tuscany Region Mr. Alessandro Lo Presti represented the President at the event.

On the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Pema Choden called on Mr. Eugenio Giani, President of the Regional Council of Tuscany and exchanged views on Bhutan and Italy’s relations and its common interests. On the invitation of Mayor of Bucine municipality in Tuscany region Mr. Pietro Tanzini, Ambassador Pema Choden visited the Bucine Council and exchanged views on possible cooperation between Bhutan and the municipality of Bucine. Ambassador Pema Choden also attended an event on “Guardians of the Environment” initiated by the local community of Bucine municipality comprising both students and adults. As the guest of honour, Ambassador Choden awarded the mementos to the participants for their initiative towards promotion and protection of green environment.

The Italy – Bhutan Friendship Society was established in 2001 and it has 30 members.  Professor Maddalena Fortunati is the President of the Society.