Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the Bhutan-Kyoto University 60th Anniversary Memorial Symposium on October 25 at Kyoto University, Japan.

Addressing the Memorial Symposium, Her Royal Highness said, “The relationship between Bhutan and Japan is based on a common spiritual heritage, our shared respect for the institution of monarchy as symbol of unity, reverence for our cultures and traditions that gives us unique identities, and many other shared social values.”

Her Royal Highness said that, “Bhutan’s development philosophy of ‘Gross National Happiness’ as propounded by His Majesty The Fourth King, and His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for a ‘Just and Content Society’ are the basic foundations for our democracy. Every Bhutanese shoulders the sacred duty to fulfill these noble visions. It is the primary obligation of my generation to nurture future leaders, and citizens who will carry forward this sacred responsibility.”

Relationship between Bhutan and Kyoto University began after Her Majesty the Royal Grand Mother Kesang Choeden Wangchuck’s visit to Kyoto in 1957. Professor Tetsuro Matsazuwa, and Professor Kozo Matsubayashi instituted the formal Friendship Programmme after their visit to Bhutan in 2010. The objective was to share knowledge and skills in areas of health, culture, safety, and ecosystem through mutual contributions.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness also met Her Majesty the Empress, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Akishino, Princess Akishino and Princess Mako.

Her Royal Highness’s visit will deepen the special relationship between the two countries and help explore new areas of collaboration and cooperation.

Staff Reporter

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