US official in Bhutan

Deputy Secretary of State John J Sullivan visited Bhutan last week during which the US underscored the importance of protecting and enhancing a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The deputy secretary of state, who visited Bhutan’s capital Thimphu from August 12 to 13, is the highest-ranking American diplomat in two decades to visit Bhutan. Several other US politicians visited Bhutan since 2008 when US announced resettlement of the exiled Bhutan.

US has since made every efforts to establish diplomatic relation with Bhutan as part of pushing its anti-China campaign.  

Sullivan, during his two-day trip, held meetings with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji and Minister of Economic Affairs Loknath Sharma. 

The visit comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit. India is worry about Bhutan attempting to establish relations with US and China. 

In his meetings, Sullivan discussed a range of issues, “including the importance of protecting and enhancing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region,” State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said. 

“He also discussed the importance of expanding our two nations’ people-to-people ties and enhancing joint efforts to combat trafficking of persons,” she said. 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted, “Thrilled that my deputy, John Sullivan, is visiting Bhutan this week — the highest-level official to visit in over two decades — underscoring the US respect for Bhutan as a key partner and contributor in advancing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.”