Guwahati, Nov 2: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will embark on a three-day visit to Assam from Friday, which will be the first trip by any monarch of the Himalayan nation to the Northeast Indian state.
During the historic visit that signifies a longstanding friendship, the Bhutan King will pay a visit to the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, attend a cultural programme organised by the Assam government, and also visit Kaziranga National Park.
“In the annals of Assam and Bhutan’s history, there has never been an official visit by the King of Bhutan to Guwahati. Official responsibilities and geographical realities had previously led to greater interaction with the central government in New Delhi. Against this backdrop, the King of Bhutan will make a historic state visit to Assam, extending the goodwill of the Bhutanese people, fortifying the friendship, and demonstrating solidarity with Assam and India for their crucial role in ensuring unprecedented peace in the region,” a statement issued by the Bhutan India Friendship Association, Gelephu chapter, said on Thursday.
“This historic visit not only signifies the deep-rooted friendship between Bhutan and Assam but also strengthens the ties between these neighbours’, fostering a brighter and more harmonious future for the entire region,” it said.
Taking to his official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted: “Bharat and Bhutan share a unique relationship which has strengthened with the passage of time. For centuries, knowledge and education have been central to this special bond. Tomorrow, we in Assam, eagerly look forward to welcoming His Majesty, the King of Bhutan on his first official visit to our State. This visit will further deepen the friendship between the two countries.”
As a goodwill gesture ahead of the monarch’s visit to the state, the Assam Cabinet had on Wednesday approved reservation of seats for Bhutanese nationals in medical colleges in the state.