Meeting of the Foreign Secretary with the Foreign Minister of Bhutan

(2011-02-06)

Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir called on Mr. Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, in Thimphu today.

The Foreign Secretary felicitated the Bhutanese government on the excellent arrangements made for hosting the SAARC Council of Ministers and preceding meetings. He expressed the hope that interaction among SAARC Member States would provide an effective and viable mechanism for promotion of peace, development and progress in the region.

Both highlighted the close relations between Pakistan and Bhutan based on common historical and cultural links especially common Gandhara heritage. They reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations through closer interaction at government and people to people level. Both the sides decided to take steps to increase trade, commercial and economic ties. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir welcomed religious tourism from Bhutan to Swat in Pakistan, the birth place of Guru Padmasambhawa, the Second Buddha.

Pakistan and Bhutan share a similar vision on SAARC. They agreed on the importance of the two countries cooperating closely under SAARC to promote regional cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir reiterated the invitation to the Bhutanese Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan.

Islamabad
06 February 2011

038/2011