The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent congratulatory cables to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan on the occasion of his country's National Day. In their cables, the wise leadership expressed their sincerest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to His Majesty, and for continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of the friendly Kingdom of Bhutan.
Context of the National Day of the Kingdom of Bhutan
Every year on December 17th, the people of Bhutan celebrate their National Day, a date of profound historical significance in the Himalayan kingdom. The celebration dates back to 1907, commemorating the coronation of Bhutan's first king, Jongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, and the establishment of the monarchy that unified the country and ended years of internal conflict and feudalism. This day symbolizes national unity and political stability in Bhutan, with official and public celebrations taking place in the capital, Thimphu, and throughout the provinces, featuring cultural performances and traditional dances that reflect the rich heritage of this unique nation.
Diplomatic relations and international cooperation
This congratulatory message from the Saudi leadership comes within the context of strengthening diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bhutan, which have witnessed remarkable development in official communication between the two countries in recent years. In September 2020, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bhutan signed a protocol establishing formal diplomatic relations, opening new horizons for cooperation in international forums and the exchange of expertise. These ongoing congratulatory messages reflect the Kingdom's keenness, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to build bridges of communication with all friendly nations and enhance its global diplomatic presence in accordance with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to build effective partnerships with various countries around the world.
The importance of diplomatic communication
The Saudi leadership's keenness to participate in the national celebrations of friendly nations embodies the Kingdom's longstanding diplomatic approach, based on mutual respect and appreciation for the sovereignty and history of states. The Kingdom of Bhutan represents a unique development model, focusing on the Gross National Happiness index as an alternative to the traditional Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which aligns with the Kingdom's growing emphasis on quality of life and human well-being within its development programs. These diplomatic messages underscore the Kingdom's pivotal role in promoting international peace and cooperation, and its support for the stability and prosperity of peoples across Asia and the world.
