His Majesty The King graced the opening ceremony of the eighth session of the third parliament today. Addressing the parliament, His Majesty The King highlighted the importance of the ongoing transformation in the civil service and securing the future prosperity of the people. His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and other members of the Royal Family.
His Majesty the King was received in a traditional Chhipdrel ceremony by the Prime Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, the National Council Chairperson, the opposition leader, and the members of the Parliament
On behalf of the parliamentarians, the speaker of the National Assembly expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for gracing the opening ceremony and addressing the parliament.
The Speaker also thanked His Majesty The King for granting citizenship kidu to the families of the armed forces in August.
“His Majesty The King has always worked towards asserting Bhutan’s position in the international arena. Among the activities, Bhutan started participating in the United Nations Peacekeeping in 2014. This year too at the request of the UN, Bhutan sent a contingent of 180 personnel from the Royal Bhutan Army. The opportunity is historic, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Majesty The King.”
The speaker also thanked His Majesty for visiting Phuntshogling and Samtse to ensure the well-being of the people. He also offered gratitude to His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel for travelling to London to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and for meeting the Prime Minister of India and reaffirming the commitment and friendship between the two countries.
The Speaker also thanked His Holiness the Je Khenpo for conducting the oral transmission of Kuenkhyen Kabum and other religious prayers for the country.
Meanwhile, the two houses will deliberate on a number of bills including the Civil Liability Bill, Civil Service Reform Bill and the Clean Wage Bill.
Kinley Dem