On Saturday, the Israeli and Bhutanese ambassadors to India, Ron Malka and Vetsop Namgyel convened at the Israeli embassy in New Delhi to sign an agreement that marks the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, the Bhutanese and Israeli foreign ministries released a joint statement celebrating the document. It said, “The establishment of diplomatic relations [will] create new avenue for cooperation between the two countries in water management, technology, human resource development, agricultural sciences and other areas of mutual benefit.” The two sides also agreed to work towards a common plan in the areas of “water management, agriculture, [and] healthcare.”
Reports suggest that these developments are unrelated to recent US-brokered agreements between Israel and Arab countries. However, Israel is celebrating the deal with Bhutan as indicative of its overall acceptance across the globe. According to a statement by the Israeli foreign ministry, the two countries have had “secret contacts” for several years now. It said that Israel has been an ardent supporter of Bhutan’s human resource development plan since 1982, specifically in the area of agriculture. Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel’s Foreign Minister, said, “Israel’s circle of recognition is growing and expanding. The establishment of relations between us and the Kingdom of Bhutan will serve as another milestone in deepening Israel’s ties in Asia.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also applauded the agreement and called it an “additional fruit of the peace agreements.” He further added that Israel was in conversation with several other countries to establish similar contacts. On Thursday, Morocco became the fourth Arab countries to enter into a US-brokered agreement with Israel. Previously, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan agreed to sign similar agreements to normalise relations with Israel. Some experts predict that Saudi Arabia, Oman and several other Asian, countries, including Indonesia, who have all been vociferous opponents of Israel, are likely to join this list soon.
Until recently, Bhutan has had an isolationist approach to its foreign policy. In fact, it only allowed foreign tourists into the country in 1970 and legalised televisions and the internet in 1999. Bhutan’s decision to enter into this agreement comes amidst a renewed territorial threat posed by Chinese activities along the two countries’ borders. In light of these developments, Bhutan is working towards establishing close diplomatic ties with several countries. In fact, its pact with Israel comes shortly after a similar agreement with Germany to establish “full-fledged diplomatic relations.” After Saturday’s developments, Bhutan maintains diplomatic relations with 54 countries. While countries like the United States and the United Kingdom do not have diplomatic ties with this remote kingdom, they maintain informal relations with it through India.
Israel, Bhutan Sign Agreement to Formally Establish Diplomatic Relations
The Israeli and Bhutanese ambassadors to India signed an agreement collaborate on agriculture, healthcare, and other issues, marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.
December 14, 2020
SOURCE: TWITTER