Guwahati, Dec 17: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed Assam’s unwavering commitment to enhancing trade infrastructure along the Assam-Bhutan border. He emphasized the need for additional trade routes to support Bhutanese traders and spotlighted Assam’s efforts under the Asom Mala initiative to bolster road connectivity, particularly between Kokrajhar and Gelephu.
Dr Sarma, who is on a four-day official visit to Bhutan, met with Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Their discussions focused on fortifying the historical ties between Assam and Bhutan and advancing collaborative efforts for mutual growth. The dialogue highlighted fostering Bhutan’s development, enhancing the welfare of its people, and promoting broader regional economic development.
In a separate luncheon meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Togbay, DDrSarma delved into matters of mutual interest, exploring avenues to strengthen trade partnerships. He underscored the historical connectivity between Assam and Bhutan, noting the existence of seven established trade routes that have supported economic ties for generations. Dr. Sarma assured the Bhutanese leadership of Assam’s commitment to developing trade infrastructure along the shared border and emphasized the need to create new trade routes to ease commerce for Bhutanese traders.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, was also present during the discussions.
DrDrarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, attended Bhutan’s 117th National Day celebrations at the scenic Changlimithang Grounds in Thimphu. The vibrant festivities, marked by colcolourfulgeantry and cultural performances, left a lasting impression on DrDrarma, who described the experience as “uniquely moving.” The Royal Government of Bhutan extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to DDrSarma and his wife, underscoring the strong cultural bonds between Assam and Bhutan.
Bhutan’s National Day commemorates the coronation of the country’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907, marking the beginning of the Wangchuck dynasty. The celebrations honour Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, pay tribute to the sacrifices of its forefathers and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Later in the day, Dr. Sarma, accompanied by his wife, visited the Kuenrey Hall in Thimphu. In a solemn act of reverence, they lit a ceremonial lamp before the statue of Lord Gautam Buddha and offered prayers. This spiritual gesture symbolized the shared cultural and spiritual values that continue to bind Assam and Bhutan in friendship and mutual respect.
