Israel and Bhutan establish formal relations

Israel and Bhutan announced Saturday the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Israel's ambassador to India, Ron Malka, and his Bhutanese counterpart, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, signed the agreement in New Delhi.

According to a joint statement, the accord would "open the path to greater cooperation and further strengthen relations".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, writing on Twitter that it was an "additional fruit of the peace agreements".

The accord was established by the foreign ministers of Israel and Bhutan, following secret talks.

Even in the absence of formal relations, Israel has helped Bhutan in the field of development and agriculture since 1982, the statement said.

The agreement with Bhutan is separate from US efforts that have led to the normalisation of ties between Israel and four Arab countries.