The Norwegian ambassador, Ms. H.E. Ann Ollestad was followed by a Norwegian delegation to Bhutan last week.
27/05/2008 :: The delegation had an eventful program during their stay in Thimpu; two annual meetings for existing institutional projects between the Bhutanese and Norwegian government took place, as well as a field trip to the Basochhu Hydropower plant and several meetings with representatives from the Bhutanese government.
The first project is vested in cooperation between the Bhutanese Department of Energy and the Norwegian Water and Energy Directory on hydropower development. The second project builds prevention measures for landslide hasards in Bhutan and involves the Bhutanese Department of Geology and Mines and the Norwegian Institute of Geology.
Three new agreements between Norway and Bhutan were additionally signed by the Bhutanese Secretary of Gross National Happiness Commission and the Norwegian Ambassador. The two projects mention above were ensured further funding and institutional cooperation. In addition, a new project which will strengthen the hydropower sector was agreed, and is due to commence shortly.
These agreements will more than double the co operational budget between Bhutan and Norway, to NOK 36 million (over INR 300 crore).
The visit and its outcomes clearly marked the importance and vision of the future bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The Norwegian delegation additionally met with representatives from various bilateral and multilateral organisations based in Bhutan, and got an update of the economic and political situation in the country, which held its first-ever parliamentary election this spring.