The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Mary Werntz, Head of the Regional Delegation of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Delhi called on Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang earlier this week, on Thursday. She was accompanied by Charles Sabga, Regional Legal Advisor at the ICRC.
Lyonchhen said that cooperation with ICRC, which started in 1992, has been very constructive and the government thanked ICRC for its support and cooperation. As a young democracy and responsible member of the international community, Bhutan is committed to the rule of law. In this regard Bhutan has signed a number of international instruments, which are relevant to International Humanitarian Law.
Mary Werntz commended the leadership in Bhutan, which she said was responsible for a smooth transition to democracy. She discussed a wide range of issues with the Prime Minister, including the expertise of ICRC that can be availed by Bhutan in the field of health and disaster management among others.
Earlier during the week, on November 4, Lyonchhen also met Toshiyuki Kuroyanagi, Vice President of JICA.
Lyonchhen warmly welcomed Kuroyanagi and thanked him for coming all the way from Japan to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of JOCV program with Bhutan. Lyonchhen said that the anniversary provides Bhutan with an opportunity to celebrate the friendship between the two countries and to honor the dedicated services of JOCV volunteers in Bhutan.
Lyonchhen also informed Mr. Kuroyanagi that the first JOCV volunteer dispatched to Bhutan in 1988, Mr. Shinji Kitagawa would also be joining the celebration. Lyonchhen expressed his appreciation to all the JOCV volunteers and said that JOCV’s significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Bhutan has been made in crucial areas of education, agriculture, health, IT, architecture, engineering and environment.
Kuroyanagi thanked Lyonchhen and reassured JOCV’s enhanced support and assistance to Bhutan in the future years.
