His Majesty the King graced the Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the Fourth Parliament. The ceremony was also graced by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen and  Members of the Royal Family. Senior government officials, retired government officials, diplomats and students were also present at the ceremony. 

His Majesty the King was received in a traditional Chipdrel ceremony by the Speaker, the Chairperson, the Prime Minister, the  Leader of the Opposition, the Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Parliament.

The Speaker, in his opening address, expressed gratitude to His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo for gracing the opening ceremony. On behalf of the Parliament, he extended gratitude to His Majesty for his unparalleled and compassionate leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Speaker also expresses profound gratitude to His Majesty for his visionary leadership in initiating the Gyalsung Program, a monumental endeavor aimed at providing comprehensive education and skills development to our youth. 

The Speaker thanked His Majesty for the recent state visits to Bangladesh and India meeting with global business leaders in preparation for Bhutan’s forthcoming economic development endeavors. The Speaker also expressed gratitude to His Majesty for the visionary Gelephu  Mindfulness City project. 

He expressed appreciation to His Holiness the Je Khenpo propagating the Dharma teaching, such as the recent one on the treasured teachings of Tertoen Sangye Lingpa at Autsho Central School in Lhuentse. The Parliament also expresses gratitude to all other religious masters for diligently conducting prayers and spiritual activities for the peace and well-being of the country and people. 

The Speaker also expressed his appreciation to Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay's first official visit to India shortly after assuming office, which highlighted the Indian Government's pledge to enhance support for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan, including the Economic Stimulus Plan. Lyonchhen's visit also covered various areas of cooperation, including connectivity (digital and energy), agriculture, healthcare, education, skills development, cultural preservation, and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

The Parliament extends its gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, the Government, and the people of India for their generous financial support, which will greatly aid in the implementation of Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. Additionally, the Speaker on behalf of Parliament of Bhutan congratulated Mr. Narendra Modi the Prime Minister elect and the people of India for the successful outcome.

The Speaker highlighted the agenda for the session and concluded his opening speech with prayers for the long life of their Majesties the Kings and the Members of the Royal Family and  for the successful outcome of the session.