GUWAHATI, Dec 17: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma attended the 117th National Day celebrations of Bhutan in capital Thimpu today (Dec 17). Chief Minister Dr Sarma accompanied by wife Riniki had arrived at Thimpu yesterday to attend the National Day as chief guests following an invite from Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Chief Minister Sarma wished the Bhutan King and the people of the country on the occasion of the Himalayan nation’s National Day saying “the people of Bhutan share a civilisational bond with Bharat and together we will scale new heights of development in the coming days”.
After arriving in Thimpu yesterday, the Assam Chief Minister attended a roadshow aimed at showcasing Assam’s investment potential ahead of the upcoming ‘Advantage Assam 2025’ investment summit Guwahati will host in February next year.
As the meeting was in progress in the presence of Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the country’s foreign minister and several other ministers and Bhutanese business leaders, King Wangchuk surprised everyone by walking in to the meeting unannounced.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma greeted the King, later describing the gesture as a great honour.
Taking to social media, CM Sarma highlighted Assam’s ongoing transformation in infrastructure development and the emerging opportunities for trade and investment partnerships. Talking about the Advantage Assam 2.0 roadshow in Thimphu yesterday, the Assam CM stated that the event witnessed participation from over 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Taking to X, CM Sarma said: “Under the exemplary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo, both our nations are united by a common quest for progress and prosperity. Given Assam’s close geographical linkage with Bhutan, we are presented with numerous opportunities, ranging from closer cooperation in the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, energy generation, healthcare, tourism and skill development. I am confident that Assam will play a pivotal role in strengthening the timeless bond between Bharat and Bhutan.”
He also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and will meet King Wangchuck besides also calling on the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Chief Minister Sarma will depart Bhutan for Guwahati on Dec 19.
