Israel and the kingdom of Bhutan established diplomatic relations on Dec. 12. The ceremony took place at the New Delhi residence of Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka, who with Bhutan’s Ambassador to India Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel signed the agreement on behalf of their respective countries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi tweeted after the ceremony, “Last weekend, I spoke with my colleague, the [Foreign Minister of Bhutan], Tandi Dorji. We agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between us beginning this evening [Dec. 12, 2020]. We also spoke about formulating a joint work plan in the areas off water management, agriculture, health and more."

Ashkenazi added, “The [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] works with Bhutan through its Mashav Division, [and] in Israel, students from Bhutan receive agricultural training. Secret contacts between the countries in recent years, including reciprocal visits, have been led by the [ministry], with the aim of establishing diplomatic relations."

The minister thanked Bhutan, saying he hoped to host Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Jerusalem for “a first state visit of its kind.”