Bhutanese Consulate General Office in Guwahati, India officially opened on February 2. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay attended the ceremony.

The office, which was jointly inaugurated by foreign minister Damcho Dorji and the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, is located at Jilika Path, Kalashetra, Panjabari.

Consul Sherub Phuntsho said that the consulate would not only cover Assam but also India’s northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya. The office would be useful for patient referrals to Assam, he said.

Speaking at the inauguration, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji said Bhutan is committed to strengthening political and socioeconomic cooperation with the government and people of Assam.

The establishment of the consulate, he said, was a reflection of Bhutan’s desire to foster greater cooperation.

He added that the consulate would greatly contribute towards strengthening the social, cultural and economic ties between Bhutan and India’s northeastern states.

He said the office opening was being celebrated as a seminal event to mark the golden jubilee anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India.

“India-Bhutan relations have been influenced as much by history, culture and geopolitical realities as also shaped by the wise and visionary leaderships of the two countries,” Lyonpo Damcho Dorji said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Bhutan and Assam cherish a long history of exemplary bilateral relations.

“Our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners,” he said, adding that Indo-Bhutan relations have grown from strength to strength. He said the consulate would strengthen friendship between the peoples of Bhutan and northeastern states of India.

The chief minister said that visit of His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and The Gyalsey to India in November 2017 was an important milestone.

“India is delighted to see rapid progress achieved by Bhutan while simultaneously preserving its cultural heritage and protecting the environment. It has been a privilege for India to partner with Bhutan in its socio-economic development and for the betterment of the two countries,” he said.

MB Subba | Guwahati