Bhutan PM H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati on Friday.Ritu Raj Konwar  

Bhutan on Friday became the second country after Bangladesh to open a consulate in Guwahati.

Bangladesh had in May last year established a consular office headed by an assistant high commissioner, underlining the city’s growing reputation as a trade and connectivity hub of a region of 45.6 million people.

“Bhutan’s diplomatic relationship with Assam precedes that with India, and history refers to cordial relationship between the kings of Bhutan and medieval Assam. It is thus apt for us to set up our second consulate here in Guwahati,” said Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji, after inaugurating the consulate along with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Bhutan has had a consulate in Kolkata for years besides a High Commission in New Delhi.

“Bhutan’s social, cultural and economic ties with Assam are deep-rooted, and Guwahati has been a prime destination for Bhutanese traders, students and patients referred by our doctors to hospitals in India,” Mr. Dorji said.

“Assam has also been a pilgrimage destination for Bhutanese Buddhists, justifying the Himalayan country’s focus on the State 50 years after Delhi and Thimphu established diplomatic ties on January 8, 1968,” he added.

New flight

The Bhutanese Foreign Minister announced a Drukair flight connecting Bhutan and Singapore, via Guwahati.