Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will make an introductory visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan from 14 to 17 May 2017 at the invitation of Bhutan Minister for Foreign Affairs Lyonpo Damcho Dorji. This will be the first official visit to Bhutan by a Singapore Foreign Minister since diplomatic relations were established in 2002.
During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan will be granted an audience with the King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, call on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and meet Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji, Minister for Labour and Human Resources Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, Minister for Economic Affairs Lyonpo Leki Dorji and Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Lyonpo Dawa Gyaltshen.
In addition to the meetings, Minister Balakrishnan and Bhutan Labour and Human Resources Minister Ngeema Sangay Tshempo will jointly witness the signing of a MOU on collaboration in the field of technical and vocational education and training between Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Education Services and the Bhutanese Ministry of Labour and Human Resources. Minister Balakrishnan will also announce a training programme by Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) for Bhutanese healthcare professionals in Emergency Medicine and a clinical attachment for Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. Minister Balakrishnan will also participate in a handover ceremony for a donation of books from the Singapore National Library Board to the Bhutan National Library and Archives.
Minister Balakrishnan will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 MAY 2017