Ambassador Tshoki Choden presented her Letters of Credence to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, on November 7, accrediting her as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the European Union.

President Charles Michel welcomed Ambassador Tshoki Choden’s appointment and expressed happiness at the warm relations between Bhutan and the European Union, based on shared values and common interests. He commended Bhutan’s role in addressing climate change issues, highlighting the importance of the climate agenda to the European Union. He also reiterated the European Union’s assurances to continue its partnership with Bhutan post graduation from the group of least developed countries.

Ambassador Tshoki Choden conveyed the warm greetings of His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and the Chair of the Interim Government of Bhutan to the President. She also conveyed the appreciation of the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan for the development assistance provided by the European Union to Bhutan for over 40 years, which has made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the country, as well as for the European Union’s continued reassurances to partner with Bhutan beyond graduation.

The European Union is an important development partner for Bhutan. Under the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP 2021-2027), the European Union has committed € 31 million for the first phase of MIP (2021-2024) focusing on three priority areas in Bhutan – Climate Change; Green Growth and Self-reliant Bhutan; and Digital Transition: a driver for change in education and public services delivery.