Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marin presented on June 8 his Letter of Credentials to His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in a traditional and colorful ceremony held at the Royal Palace of Tashichhodzong in the capital city of Thimbu.
In an exchange with His Majesty, the Cuban diplomat highlighted the main aspects of bilateral relations. The Bhutanese Head of State recalled the visit of his father and former King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck to Cuba, in the context of the VI NAM Summit in 1979, and the meeting he held then with Chief Commander Fidel Castro, a memory he cherishes with great affection. He praised the social advances in Cuba and expressed his gratitude for the support received by our country in the development of public health in Bhutan. He also emphasized the bonds of friendship forged by both peoples.
Ambassador Alejandro Simancas was also welcomed in independent meetings by Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Speaker of the National Assembly Wangchuk Namgyel, Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji and Health Minister Dasho Dechen Wangmo. The exchanges were cordial and reflected the friendly ties that have characterized bilateral relations. In particular, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for Cuba and the achievements made by our country in health and in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In all cases, they agreed on the potential for bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, education, sports and sustainable development. They also reaffirmed their support for the demand to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the U.S. government against Cuba. The Cuban diplomat sincerely thanked the Bhutanese government and people for their gestures of solidarity in this regard.
At a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by members of the Government, parliamentarians and the small diplomatic corps accredited in that country, the Cuban Head of Mission had the opportunity to exchange with high-ranking personalities of the Government and the National Assembly of Bhutan.
Cuba and the Kingdom of Bhutan established official diplomatic relations on September 26, 2011. The visit to Cuba in 1979 of the then King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and his meeting with the historic leader of our Revolution was a fundamental moment in the promotion of bilateral ties.