Japan-Bhutan Summit Meeting (Summary)

 

On March 13, commencing at 7:10 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, who was on an Official Working Visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
 

1. At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Prime Minister Tobgay's visit to Japan and stated that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan, and that Japan intends to further strengthen bilateral relations on this occasion. In response, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Japan and stated his desire to deepen the friendly relations between the two countries, which have spanned more than 40 years, across all areas.
 

2. Prime Minister Takaichi noted that Japan and Bhutan have built robust relations based on the ties between the Imperial and Royal families as well as economic cooperation. She stated that strengthening Bhutan's autonomy and resilience and ensuring its stability and prosperity are important for realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," and that Japan intends to continue its cooperation to that end.
 

3. Furthermore, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that as part of Japan’s cooperation to strengthen Bhutan's resilience through social and economic development, the Government of Japan will support the construction of the "Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases" near the capital Thimphu, which will play a central role in Bhutan, and commit to human resource development in the field of infectious disease control. She also stated that Japan will promote efforts to provide medical equipment (MRI, CT, ambulances, etc.) and promote AI automated diagnosis using remote fetal monitors to address issues such as access to medical services in mountainous areas, and will also carry out Japanese companies’ demonstration projects for the construction of AI data centers in rural areas. In addition, Prime Minister TAKAICHI touched upon the holding of a business forum hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on March 16 as an initiative to strengthen Bhutan's economic autonomy, and stated that the Government of Japan will support private investment in Bhutan. In response, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Government and people of Japan for Bhutan's development.
 

4. The two leaders concurred to promote exchanges between the people of Japan and Bhutan through anniversary events, including the "Bhutan Japan Week" Japanese cultural event in Bhutan, by taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
 

5. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional affairs and cooperation in international arena.