Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Ton Sinh Thanh onJune 19 presented his credentials to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar NamgyelWangchuck, becoming the first Vietnamese ambassador to the Buddhistcountry.

The Bhutan King said the appointment of thefirst Vietnamese Ambassador to Bhutan is an important new milestonein the bilateral relationhips since the two countries set up diplomaticties 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 MinisterTshering Tobgay, Speaker of the National Assembly Jigme Zangpo, Speakerof National Council Sonam Kinga, Minister of Home and Cultural AffairsDamcho Dorji, and leaders of a number of other ministries.

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

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

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

Ambassador Thanh said Vietnamwishes to learn from Bhutan ’s experience in sustainabledevelopment in line with the Gross National Happiness index, as well asenvironmental protection.

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