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On November 17, a welcome ceremony was held in the Diet for the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his wife, Her Majesty Jestun Pema, was held inside the Diet building.
King Wangchuck addressed the assembled Diet members, and referred to the many years of friendship enjoyed by Japan and Bhutan, saying, “The Bhutanese people have always held a strong affection for Japan and shared emotionally in the success of your great nation over the decades.” He described the scenes in Bhutan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, as many Bhutanese visited temples to pray for the Japanese people, and said, “I have waited ever since to be able to say to you that I am deeply sorry for …the nation of Japan that must rebuild life after such a great disaster.” The King went on to say that even under the worst of circumstances, the Japanese people met their challenges “with quiet dignity, confidence, discipline and strength of heart.” He also emphasized, “If there is one nation who can rise stronger and greater from such adversity it is Japan and her people. Of this I am confident.”
The King emphasized, “I hereby pledge that it shall be my constant endeavour to further strengthen and deepen the bonds between our two peoples.” He ended his speech by offering prayers in his native language for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Japan and Japanese people.
During the welcome ceremony, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Takahiro Yokomichi and President of the House of Councillors Kenji Hirata made welcome speeches calling for the further development of the friendly relations between the two nations and the continued health and prosperity of the royal couple.
The royal visit was arranged to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bhutan. This is the first time for Japan to receive a state visit from Bhutan. During their stay in Japan the royal couple are also scheduled to visit the disaster-affected areas and Kyoto.
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