Guwahati: King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Friday discussed various issues related to his country and Assam during a meeting with state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here.
The King, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, met Sarma at Radisson Blue Hotel here.
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is visiting Assam for the first time in his capacity as king of Bhutan.
“Druk Gyalpo’s visit is a great honour for Assam. This visit is a testament to the ancient bonding between our nations, which is exemplified by academic linkages, infrastructure partnerships, cooperation in healthcare, shared spiritual heritage and people-to-people ties,” Sarma said after the meeting.
He said Assam has benefited immensely from “His Majesty’s vision”.
“I conveyed the enthusiasm among our people to strengthen the Hon’ble Prime Minister (Narendra Modi’s) doctrine of Neighbourhood First,” Sarma said on X (formerly Twitter).
Senior officials of both Bhutan and Assam governments attended the meeting.
Earlier, on his arrival the king was given a warm welcome by Sarma and senior state government officials at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
The king then visited the iconic Kamakhya Temple here and offered prayers.
Amid intense security, the King spent around 15 minutes at the temple situated atop the Nilachal Hills.
The visiting head of state was accompanied by Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Barua and Education Minister Ronoj Pegu during his visit to the temple.
The king also attended a special programme at Assam Administrative Staff College.
Later, the King attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhavan.
On Saturday, he will fly to Jorhat for a visit to Kaziranga National Park. He will spend the night there and then leave for New Delhi on Sunday, sources said.
