New Delhi, February 17th, 2026- From 12 to 14 February 2026, Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsan paid a visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan, during which he presented to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the letters accrediting him as Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba.
In the audience held to continue the ceremony, the King referred to the visit to our country made by his father, then fourth King of Butan, to attend the Conference of Non-Aligned Countries, ocasion sustustuvo a meeting with the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz, which marked the beginning of a cooperation of friendship and solidarity between both countries and peoples.
As part of the visit, the Cuban diplomat had a fruitful exchange with His Excellency Mr. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, sharing ideas to promote political, economic and collaborative relations, in the year marks the 15th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. Meeting with the Chancellor, Mr. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, the Ambassador thanked that country’s historical support for the Cuban resolution condemning the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against the Cuban people, which is presented every year at the General Assembly of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation links. In the exchange with Mr. Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Industry, Trade and Employment, assessed the potential to boost collaboration in health, biotechnology, sports and traditional products, among other sectors, in particular taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Special Administrative Region "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC), which express the King’s vision to boost and consolidate the development of Butan as a nation. It is an autonomous project (www.gmc.bt).
The immediate inversion sectors are: Connectivity, Energy, Data Center and IT Centers, Hospitality and Wellness, Digital Financial Services and Digital Advice, Education and Skills Development. With Mr. Tshewang C. Dorji, Deputy Minister of Education and Skills Development, reaffirmed the willingness to continue and expand existing bilateral cooperation. The manager expressed that he is in charge of the education reform of the country, they have asked that the workforce be educated and trained. Expressed gratitude for the training of professionals in #Cuba, mainly in medicine.
The education system has four pillars: curriculum, teachers, infrastructure and governance. It is free up to grade 12. Access to the University depends on student performance. They recognize a weakness in vocational guidance. They have technical training institutes and universities. Students prefer the university and also go abroad. Education is bilingual, the mother tongue and English.
The completed program culminated in an emotional exchange with two young graduates of medicine in Cuba, who work at the National Hospital of Butan, based in the capital Thimphu. Both expressed their gratitude to our government for this opportunity and to our people for their hospitality and solidarity. 
In all the meetings held, the counterparts to the latest measures of the US government to strengthen the economic siege against Cuba, including fuel supply, were updated, which impose strong constraints on the economy and life of Cuban women and men.
As a peculiarity of the country, the implementation of the Gross National Happiness Index (Gross National Hapiness) stands out, which measures the progress of the country by its economic growth and the well-being of its population. Recognizing this initiative, the UNU declared March 20 as International Happiness Day.(The concept of happiness follows Mahayana Buddhist tradition: inner harmony, moderation, compassion and interdependence.)