Today marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Kingdom of Bhutan and I was pleased to recognise this important milestone during my meeting this afternoon with Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Dr Tandi Dorji.

Although our diplomatic relations were formally established in 2002, our friendship stretches back further.

Education has been at the centre of the Australia-Bhutan relationship since the 1960s. More than 400 Bhutanese people have studied in Australia under Australia Awards since 2009, and we continue to welcome many more Bhutanese students into our education institutions. Our diverse people-to-people ties have contributed greatly to the warmth of our relationship.

The visit to Australia by the Honourable Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan in 2016 and the opening of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in 2021 have further cemented relations.

During my meeting with Foreign Minister Dorji, I reinforced Australia’s continuing support for Bhutan’s development.

I am confident that the Australia-Bhutan relationship will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

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Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.