5 days Ago By Sentinel Digital Desk
Staff Reporter At the invitation of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday arrived in Bhutan to attend Bhutan’s 117th National Day as a state guest. More than 200 international guests are expected at the event on Tuesday (Dec 17, 2024). After landing at Paro Airport at Thimphu, the Chief Minister said, “I look forward to boosting Bharat’s ties with this beautiful nation during my visit.
” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Royal Government of Bhutan said, “Assam CM’s visit is significant as this is the first visit to Bhutan by the CM of Assam. Bhutan and Assam share a warm historical bond of friendship and neighbourly connection. This visit will further strengthen these ties, fostering even closer relations between Bhutan and the state of Assam.
This visit bears profound significance as this is Himanta Biswa Sarma’s maiden journey to since assuming the office of Chief Minister of Assam. It also underscores the enduring historical ties and bonds of amity between Assam and Bhutan. This diplomatic sojourn promises to fortify these connections further, fostering a more robust and dynamic partnership between the two neighbours.
Upon their arrival at Paro Airport, Chief Minister Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, were accorded a warm and ceremonious welcome by Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Bhutan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sudhakar Dalela, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, and Kesang Deki, the Cabinet Secretary of the Royal Government of Bhutan, among other dignitaries.
Adding to the spirit of hospitality, Bhutanese youth enchanted the gathering with performances of Assam’s Bihu dance alongside Bhutan’s traditional dances, weaving an elegant panorama of shared cultural heritage and goodwill. The CM said in a tweet, “I am deeply honoured by the special gesture by His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who came to meet Team Assam at the Advantage Assam roadshow, a day before our scheduled audience. His majesty’s warmth and hospitality reinforce the special bond that ties the wonderful people of Bhutan with the state of Assam; a bond that has transcended the barriers of time and history.
” He also thanked the Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, for the ‘warm embrace and affection.’ Sources said that the Assam CM will discuss matters related to infrastructure like the proposed railway track from Guwahati to Gelengphu, border trade development, road connectivity, hydroelectric power, etc. Assam and Bhutan share a 267-km-long border.
Trade between the people of the two places has been conducted in a spirit of understanding for a long time now. In November 2023, Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuk visited Assam, and he made visits to Kaziranga National Park and Kamakhya Temple. During his visit, the Bhutan King held discussions with the Assam CM regarding infrastructure partnership, cooperation in healthcare, and the shared spiritual heritage and people-to-people ties.
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