Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Ton Sinh Thanh on June 19 presented his credentials to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, becoming the first Vietnamese ambassador to the Buddhist country.

The Bhutan King said the appointment of the first Vietnamese Ambassador to Bhutan is an important new milestone in the bilateral relationhips since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 2012.

He vowed to create favourable conditions for the ambassador to fulfil his mission in Bhutan .

On his part, Ambassador Thanh pledged that he will do his utmost to foster the partnership between the two countries.

The same day, the diplomat paid courtesy calls to Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Speaker of the National Assembly Jigme Zangpo, Speaker of National Council Sonam Kinga, Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs Damcho Dorji, and leaders of a number of other ministries.

At the meetings, the Bhutan leaders held that Vietnam and Bhutan share many similarities and a link of Buddhism. The two countries should share development experience with each other, while making full use of economic and trade cooperation potential, they said.

They expressed delight at the first venture between AA Corporation of Vietnam and AdrukA Company of Bhutan on furniture production in Bhutan .

The leaders also said they hope to import more products from Vietnam , including agricultural machinery, construction materials, electronics, household commodities, apparels, footwear, rice and seafood.

Ambassador Thanh said Vietnam wishes to learn from Bhutan ’s experience in sustainable development in line with the Gross National Happiness index, as well as environmental protection.

He also expressed hope for more meetings between the two countries’ leaders, as well as increased trade, cultural and tourism promotion activities, and stronger mutual support at regional and international forums.-VNA