His Majesty the King granted audience to His Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga yeterday morning at the Tashichodzong.

His Majesty King George Tupou V arrived in the country on a three-day goodwill visit on December 6.

His Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga was escorted in traditional chiprel ceremony to the Tashichodzong. He was then ushered into the throne room where he was granted audience by His Majesty the King.

On December 6, His Majesty King Tupou V visisted the National Institute of Traditional Medicine Servics, the Institute of Arts and Crafts and the Textile Museum.

This is his second visit to Bhutan. His Majesty King Tupou V visited Bhutan as the Crown Prince of Tonga in 2002. He ascended the throne last September. A formal coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place next year.

A news release from the Foreign Ministry says the visit will further strengthen the ties of friendship between the two kingdoms.

Tonga is a Kingdom, roughly the size of Japan, in the Pacific Ocean. It lies third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii.

His Majesty the King also hosted a lunch for His Majesty King George Tupou at the Dechencholing Palace.

Their Royal Highnesses Ashi Chimmi Yangzom Wangchuck and Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck were also present at the lunch.
Source: BBS