On October 5, 2023, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong met with Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan Karma Tshering on the sidelines of the 3rd China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation (Trans-Himalaya Forum) in Nyingchi.

Nong Rong welcomed Karma Tshering to attend the Trans-Himalaya Forum in China and said that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. China and Bhutan have friendly relations in tradition. In recent years, the two countries have maintained high-level exchanges, and practical cooperation in various fields has been steadily expanded. China always adheres to the neighborhood diplomacy guideline that advocates amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and adheres to strengthening friendship and partnership with its neighbors. China's development not only helps China itself succeed but also brings opportunities to Bhutan and other countries in the world. China is ready to work with Bhutan to make good use of the platform of the Trans-Himalaya Forum to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and push China-Bhutan friendly relations to a new height.

Karma Tshering extended congratulations on the successful hosting of the 3rd China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation and thanked China for the invitation and hospitality. Karma Tshering said that he fully agreed on China's comments on the bilateral relations. Bhutan and China have profound friendship and the two countries have many similarities in culture and other aspects. Bhutan always supports the one-China principle and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in such fields as trade and tourism.