His Majesty The King graced the closing ceremony of the first session of the Fourth Parliament today. During the ceremony, the National Assembly speaker thanked His Majesty The King for working tirelessly for the peace and security of the country.
In his closing speech, National Assembly’s Speaker Lungten Dorji paid tribute to the numerous efforts made by His Majesty The King for the welfare of the country.
“Coinciding with the auspicious First Day of the Male Wood Dragon Year, His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck received the Royal Charter from the sacred Machen Lhakhang in Punakha Dzong in a special ceremony for the establishment of Gelephu Mindfulness City. The ceremony showcased His Royal Highness’ natural inborn qualities as a destined Prince.”
The Speaker also expressed gratitude and congratulated His Majesty The King on being conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees by seven universities in Thailand and for the appointment of Bhutan’s first ambassador to Mongolia.
“The Parliament expresses its gratitude to His Majesty The King and the Royal Government for the historic appointment of Bhutan’s first ambassador to Mongolia. This significant step plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.”
During the first session of the Fourth Parliament, the budget for the 13th Five-Year Plan, amounting to Nu 512 billion ngultrum was endorsed.
The Parliament also approved a budget of more than Nu 97bn for the financial year 2024-2025 and a supplementary budget of more than Nu 3bn for financial year 2023-2024.
Furthermore, the National Assembly deliberated the Marriage (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, 2024, the National Assembly (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan, 2024, and the Air Services Agreement between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the State of Kuwait and submitted it to the National Council.
During the Joint Sitting of the Parliament, Public Accounts Committee presented review report of the Annual Audit Report for 2022-2023 and Annual Audit Reports from the financial year 2010 to 2022.
The Joint Sitting of the Parliament deliberated on the recommendations put forth by the Royal Audit Authority and the Public Accounts Committee.
During the session, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay presented the State of the Nation report.
The closing ceremony of the first session of the Fourth Parliament ended with the offering of Tashi-Moenlam to His Majesty The King.
Sonam Yuden and Tashi Dekar
Edited by Tshering Zam
