Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade RGOB
Lyonchhen arrived in Tokyo, Japan on the morning of 10th April, 2018 for a four day official visit.
While in Japan, Lyonchhen received an audience with His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince and Princess of Akishino and Princess Mako. Lyonchhen met with Mr. Katsunobu Kato, Minister for Health, Labour and Welfare, Mr. Ken Saito, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka and held discussions on further strengthening the existing collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure development, health, education, human resource development, information technology, rural development and employment.
The Honorary Consuls General of Bhutan in Japan and Japan-Bhutan Friendship Association hosted a welcome dinner for Lyonchhen on 10th April, 2018.
Lyonchhen also met and interacted with the Bhutanese youth studying Japanese language under the Earn and Learn programme.
On 11th April, a Summit meeting was held between Lyonchhen and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. During the Summit meeting, the two Prime Ministers had wide ranging discussions on bilateral relations, on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
Lyonchhen thanked Prime Minister Abe for Japan’s assistance which contributed to the successful implementation of the 11th FYP. He requested for Japan’s continued support to agriculture, including farm mechanization, infrastructure development, health, education, human resource development, information technology, rural development and employment.
Prime Minister Abe said that Japan-Bhutan relations have advanced remarkably over the years. He recalled the visit of Pricess Mako to Bhutan and the state visit to Japan by His Majesty The King in 2011. Prime Minister Abe assured Lyonchhen of Japan’s continued support to Bhutan’s socio-economic development needs.
Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s support to establish a Japanese Language Proficiency Testing Centre in Bhutan to enhance the employment prospects for Bhutanese youth. He also announced Japan’s support to construct a Judo Centre in Bhutan.
After the Summit meeting, the two Prime Ministers addressed the media following which Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Akie Abe hosted a dinner for Lyonchhen and Aum Tashi Doma.
Lyonchhen visited Soma City in Fukushima on 12th April, 2018 and presented a consecrated statue of Thangtong Gyalpo to the Mayor of Fukushima. The statue was a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Soma city. The statue was presented alongwith a Kasho from His Majesty The King.
Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay will arrive back to Bhutan on 15th April, 2018. The purpose of the visit was to thank Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and the government and people of Japan for their friendship and generous assistance that contributed to successful implementation the 11th FYP.
