Bhutanese King Makes Brief Dhaka Stopover, Meets President at HSIA

Bangladesh has expressed its willingness to work closely with Bhutan on transformative regional initiatives aimed at promoting mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks today during a courtesy meeting with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).

The meeting was held during the Bhutanese monarch’s brief, one-hour stopover in Dhaka early this morning. The two leaders discussed a range of issues of mutual interest and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

President Mirza Fakhrul invited King Jigme Khesar and members of the Bhutanese royal family to make a state visit to Bangladesh at a convenient time. In response, the King invited the President and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister to visit Bhutan.

King Jigme Khesar congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming the presidency and conveyed his best wishes. The President, in turn, extended warm greetings to the King and the Bhutanese royal family on behalf of Bangladesh’s government and people.

Highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Mirza Fakhrul recalled that Bhutan was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent nation on December 6, 1971.

He also praised the special bond and deep respect that Bhutan’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has maintained toward Bangladesh.

During the talks, King Jigme Khesar emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation in areas including education, trade and investment. He also briefed the President on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project and invited Bangladesh to participate in and support the initiative.

The President welcomed the project with interest and assured the King of Bangladesh’s cooperation in advancing the initiative for shared welfare, prosperity and sustainable development.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior government officials attended the meeting.

The Bhutanese King’s special aircraft, which had arrived from Singapore, departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30am.