Abe hails Japan’s close ties with Bhutan, other royal families

(Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema attend Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony). Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

TOKYO, Oct 23, 2019, Kyodo. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday stressed the importance of the close bond between the Japanese imperial and Bhutanese royal families and expressed hope of further advancing bilateral ties, reported the Kyodo.

Abe met with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Tokyo after both attended Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony. The Japanese prime minister also held talks with the kings of Belgium, Malaysia and Cambodia to confirm the strength of bilateral ties.

“I welcome the fact that the momentum has been growing for economic cooperation and for the furthering of our traditional exchanges between the imperial and royal families,” Abe told the Bhutanese king in a meeting, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

King Jigme Khesar was quoted as telling Abe that he was glad to participate in the enthronement ceremony, adding Bhutan will continue to be Japan’s “close friend.” He expressed appreciation for Tokyo’s assistance over the past three decades.

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