March 27, 2008
No. 65
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the parliame entary elections held in the Kingdom of Bhutan on March 24, 2008:
"Canada congratulates the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan on the success of their elections for a new Lower House of Parliament. These elections, together with the December 2007 elections for a new Upper House, are important milestones in Bhutan's historic and peaceful transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy.
"Canada and Bhutan have a long-standing relationship built on strong links between our communities and a history of close collaboration in the area of education. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the esta blishment of our diplomatic relations with Bhutan. Canada looks forward to further strengthening our close bilateral ties."
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