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The Hon Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, visited Bhutan from 15 to 16 May 2023. The Assistant Foreign Minister was accompanied by His Excellency Mr Robert Barry O’Farrell, Ambassador of Australia to Bhutan, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian High Commission in India.
During the visit, the Assistant Foreign Minister was granted an audience by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. He also called on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotey Tshering and Foreign Minister Lyonpo Dr. (Dasho) Tandi Dorji. He also interacted with Bhutanese alumni from Australian universities who are now leaders in politics, government, the private sector and civil society.
Picture courtesy: Asst. Foreign Minister’s Facebook page.
Relations between Bhutan and Australia date back to the early 1960s, when Australian assistance in scholarships and animal-husbandry programmes began. Today, human resource development through Australian scholarships is the main focus of bilateral assistance from Australia. Australia is also home to the largest community of Bhutanese abroad.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 14 September 2002 and the two countries are currently celebrating the 20th anniversary. This is the first high-level visit from Australia in more than two decades. The visit will further strengthen the positive relations between the governments and peoples of the two countries.
Picture courtesy: Asst. Foreign Minister’s Facebook page.
Picture courtesy: Asst. Foreign Minister’s Facebook page.