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鈥檚 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:
鈥淚 am delighted to welcome Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye to the UK, along with a delegation of senior law-makers.
鈥淏hutan has a reputation as a beautiful mountain kingdom, but it is so much more than that. It is one of the world鈥檚 youngest democracies, a leader in sustainable development, and recognised by the United Nations as a global pioneer in its concept of Gross National Happiness.
鈥淪o 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.
鈥淚 am also pleased to welcome Bhutan鈥檚 Education Secretary, Aum Sangay Zam and the President of the Bhutanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dasho Ugyen Tshechup Dorji as part of today鈥檚 delegation. For the first time, a Bhutanese scholar will join this year鈥檚 Chevening South Asia Journalist Programme, which is great news for the programme鈥檚 growing appeal. I am sure Mr Samten Yeshi will use the opportunity of the scholarship to make his mark in Bhutan鈥檚 rapidly evolving media scene.
鈥淎s a sign of our deepening friendship, Michael Rutland OBE has been appointed as the UK鈥檚 first Honorary Consul to Bhutan.鈥�
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