Joint Press Release of the 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the Bhutan-China Boundary Issues

The 13^th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the Bhutan-China Boundary Issues was held in Beijing, China from August 21^st to 24^th, 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, Secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan and H.E. Mr. Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. 

     Building on the consensus reached at the 12^th Expert Group Meeting, the two sides had candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations. Both sides agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map. One of the important outcomes of the 13^th EGM is the establishment of the Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of Bhutan-China Boundary which held its first meeting on the sidelines of the 13^th EGM. 

     The two sides also agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings, holding the 14^th Expert Group Meeting on the Bhutan-China Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintaining communication on holding the 25^th Round of Bhutan-China Boundary Talk. The Meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and China.