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<title>CANADA ESTABLISHES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BHUTAN</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>June 25, 2003 <em>(12:15 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 90</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA ESTABLISHES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BHUTAN</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that Canada has established diplomatic and consular relations with
the Kingdom of Bhutan following an exchange of letters between foreign ministers of both countries. Canadian and
Bhutanese Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York completed this final step today in New York.</p>
<p>"The establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan will further enhance the friendly and productive relations
both countries have enjoyed for many years," said Mr. Graham. "It will also provide additional channels for discussing
trade, development assistance, and regional and international issues of mutual concern."</p>
<p>Canada will conduct its relations with Bhutan on a non-resident basis through the Canadian High Commission in New
Delhi, India. Bhutan has indicated it will similarly cross-accredit its Permanent Representative to the United Nations in
New York as a non-resident ambassador to Canada.</p>
<p>Canada is the 20th country to have established diplomatic relations with Bhutan.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221101228/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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