Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held a courtesy meeting with newly elected Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a brief stopover in Dhaka while traveling from Singapore to Bhutan.

The Bhutanese monarch arrived aboard a special aircraft early Wednesday morning and was received by the Bangladeshi president at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

During the approximately one-hour transit visit, the two leaders met at the airport’s VVIP lounge and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation and regional development.

President Alamgir extended an invitation to the King and members of the Bhutanese royal family to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. In response, the Bhutanese monarch invited both the president and the prime minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.

King Jigme Khesar congratulated President Alamgir on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes for success in his new role. The Bangladeshi president, in turn, expressed warm greetings to the King and the people of Bhutan.

Highlighting the historic friendship between the two nations, President Alamgir noted that Bhutan was the first country in the world to recognize Bangladesh’s independence on December 6, 1971, a milestone that continues to hold special significance in bilateral relations.

The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in sectors such as education, trade, investment, and sustainable development.

During the meeting, the Bhutanese King briefed the president on Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness Cityinitiative and welcomed potential Bangladeshi participation. President Alamgir expressed strong interest in the project and praised its long-term vision.

Both sides emphasized the importance of deeper regional collaboration aimed at promoting prosperity, sustainability, and shared development goals.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, and senior government officials were also present during the meeting.

Following the engagement, the Bhutanese King departed Dhaka for Bhutan later in the morning.