Manila, Oct. 7 -- The Philippine government has formally established diplomatic relations with Bhutan on Monday.

The Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed between Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio and Bhutan Ambassador to India Major General Vetsop Namgyel in a ceremony in New Delhi.

Ignacio emphasized that both countries had cultivated cordial ties for years, with the Philippines actively extending training and other forms of technical assistance to Bhutan.

"[W]e have given flesh to the mutual aspiration of our governments and peoples to promote mutual understanding and strengthen friendship and cooperation, guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law," he ...