Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire agrees rule of law co-operation with Bhutan
FCO Minister of State Hugo Swire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Bhutan on rule of law co-operation.
FCO Minister of State Hugo Swire and Bhutan’s Chief Justice today signed an agreement to improve the way the UK and Bhutan work together in law enforcement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow judiciaries in both countries to work together on developing the rule of law in Bhutan.
A senior delegation from the country arrived in the UK today, led by Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye, and were met by Foreign Office Minister the Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP. He said:
“I am delighted to welcome Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye to the UK, along with a delegation of senior law-makers.
“Bhutan has a reputation as a beautiful mountain kingdom, but it is so much more than that. It is one of the world’s youngest democracies, a leader in sustainable development, and recognised by the United Nations as a global pioneer in its concept of Gross National Happiness.
“So I am pleased that we are deepening our relationship and that the UK is able to support Bhutan through our knowledge of judicial systems. I hope that this will be just the start of a long and mutually beneficial friendship.
“I am also pleased to welcome Bhutan’s Education Secretary, Aum Sangay Zam and the President of the Bhutanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dasho Ugyen Tshechup Dorji as part of today’s delegation. For the first time, a Bhutanese scholar will join this year’s Chevening South Asia Journalist Programme, which is great news for the programme’s growing appeal. I am sure Mr Samten Yeshi will use the opportunity of the scholarship to make his mark in Bhutan’s rapidly evolving media scene.
“As a sign of our deepening friendship, Michael Rutland OBE has been appointed as the UK’s first Honorary Consul to Bhutan.”
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