His Eminence the 29th Khamba Nomun Khan, Khansur Gabji D. Choijamts, ABCP President, on Saturday, 22 August 2026, met with His Excellency Mr Jigmi Y. Thinley. Mr Thinley has served thrice as Bhutan’s Prime Minister, alongside other high government ministerial posts. His terms spans first from 1998 to 1999, then a second term from 2003 to 2004, and a third time during Bhutan’s Democratic Era from 2008 to 2013. Mr Jigmi Thinley is attending COP17—the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)—which began in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 17 August and closes on 28 August.
Mr Jigmi Thinley spoke about his first impressions when he originally visited Mongolia—a land of his childhood dreams—in 1990, heading a Bhutanese Buddhist delegation to the Eighth General Conference. He highly valued the contribution of the ABCP in bringing Buddhist countries and Buddhists together under one organisation to promote global peace and harmony. Mr Jigmi Thinley also noted the major contribution of the current President, His Eminence Gabju D. Choijamts, in leading the organisation with wisdom and vision. He pointed out that Bhutan’s membership is important in promoting collaboration between Bhutanese and Mongolian Buddhists, as well as fostering close ties with Buddhists across all other ABCP member countries. He also observed the revival of Buddhism in the country compared to 1990.
His Eminence summed up the past turbulent history of Buddhism in Mongolia, especially during the 70 years of communist rule. He pointed out that following the democratic changes in Mongolia in 1990, Buddhism has begun to revive and grow. However, a lot of work still needs to be done to bring the compassionate teachings of Buddha to the younger generation, who are greatly influenced by Western ideology. The ABCP President highlighted the important contribution toward promoting better ties and cooperation between Mongolia and Bhutan made by the 2024 state visit of His Majesty the King and Queen of Bhutan to Mongolia.
Also His Eminence noted the similarities, alongside slight differences, in Mahayana Buddhism between the two countries. The ABCP President concluded by noting that the ABCP today pursues two key objectives: to raise a collective voice of Buddhists against all forms of violence, and to promote Buddhist ethics.
ABCP President welcoming the former Prime Minister of Bhutan
ABCP President (r) and Former Prime Minister of Bhutan (l)
ABCP President’s office – left, Former Bhutanese Prime Minister with his spouse
