His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of the second session of the second parliament, this morning. His Majesty the King was received with a traditional chipdrel ceremony at the Gyalyong Tshogkhang. His Majesty was received by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and the Chairperson of the National Council.
The Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked His Majesty the King for gracing the opening ceremony of the second session of the second parliament. Lyonchhoen also shared that the recent Royal state visit by His Majesty the King and the Gyaltsuen to India further strengthened the good relations between the two countries. Lyonchhoen highlighted the economic situation of the country and affirmed that the government would work to resolve the situation.
On behalf of the people, Lyonchhoen also expressed gratitude to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo for his enlightened and selfless leadership in securing peace and prosperity in the country. He also made special mention of the armed force.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the princesses, senior government officials, and international diplomats were present at the opening ceremony.
This National Assembly session will see a public accounts committee report as well as deliberation on the Bio Safety Bill of Bhutan 2014. The house will also discuss the amendment of the National Assembly and Local Government Acts.
Later in the afternoon, the National Council held a separate opening ceremony, which was also attended by the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the National Assembly Speaker.
The house will table the National Council and the Tobacco Control Acts for amendment.
Ratification of the Convention on Establishing the Multilateral Investment Agency and the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between Bhutan and India is on the agenda as well.
The National Council will also see deliberation on the performance Audit Report on the leasing of government land and the Government Reserved Forest and Mines by its Good Governance Committee.
