Thimphu [Bhutan], August 25 : Bhutan and China have agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map to resolve long discussions between the two countries.
In the joint statement, released by Bhutan's Foreign Ministry, both countries met for the 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) in Beijing, which was co-chaired by Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, Secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan and Hong Liang, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Since 1984, talks between Bhutan and China have largely focused on two separate areas of dispute, including Doklam and other areas in Bhutan’s West, near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction, and the Jakarlung and Pasamlung valleys located near Tibet to Bhutan’s North.
Building on the consensus reached at the 12th Expert Group Meeting, the two sides had candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations.
One of the important outcomes of the 13th EGM is the establishment of a Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of Bhutan-China Boundary which held its first meeting on the sidelines of the 13th EGM, according to the release.
The two sides also agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings, holding the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the Bhutan-China Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintaining communication on holding the 25th Round of the Bhutan-China Boundary Talk.
The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and China, as per the release.
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