On behalf of the people of the Netherlands, Erica Terpstra, a former Dutch Minister, and well known TV personality handed over a specially cultivated tulip known as ‘Queen of Bhutan’ to Lyonpo Dago Tshering.
Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Bhutan the chief guest for the Bhutan Day celebration, Lyonpo Dago Tshering said the tulip is indeed a beautiful flower of grace, warmth and radiance of Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan.
The tulip is to commemorate the Royal Wedding in October 2011 through the initiative of Bhutan and Partners, a Dutch NGO dedicated to promoting friendship and cooperation with the Bhutanese people.
The bulb itself was grown by a well known Dutch flower company called Fluwel, whose representatives were present at the launch today.
Bhutan Day was celebrated at the Floraide 2012, the World Horticulture Exhibition at Venlo, Netherlands on Saturday 22 September, amidst thousands of spectators.
Bhutan Day was observed with the hoisting of the National Flag of Bhutan and the National Anthem followed by welcome addresses by the Mayor and Commissioner General of Venlo and Lyonpo Dago Tshering. The programme ended with cultural performances by the Bhutanese students.
Tulip bulbs of the ‘Queen of Bhutan’ were distributed to the distinguished guests and public audience as also pamphlets and brochures on Bhutan.
Attending the Bhutan Day were Ambassador Sonam Tshong, the Bhutanese Consul in the Netherlands, representatives and senior officials of the Dutch Foreign Ministry, the Floriade Commission, the Dutch flower bulb companies and the Bhutan Partners organisation among others.
