First Official State Visit of a Bhutanese King to Mongolia Marking a Historic Milestone

 

Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema are in Mongolia for their weeklong official state visit in the country. The visit, which takes place from July 8 to July 15, 2024, is at the invitation of the incumbent President of Mongolia, Khürelsükh Ukhnaa, who has been in office since June 2021.

Their Majesties are welcomed by the president and his wife, First Lady Luvsandorjiin Bolortsetseg, in the Guard Honor's Ceremony at the Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Their Majesties The King and Queen of Bhutan arrive in Mongolia. Photo credit: Queen Jetsun Pema instagram

Aboard the Royal Bhutan Airlines, Their Majesties The King and Queen of Bhutan arrive in Mongolia. Photo credit: Queen Jetsun Pema instagram

After inspecting the Guards, they visited the Memorial of Genghis Khan at Central Square. Genghis Khan was the founder and the first Great Khan (ruler) of the Mongol Empire. 

This is the first state visit of the head of state of the Kingdom of Bhutan to Mongolia, marking a historic milestone in their deepening diplomatic relations and understanding. The two countries share a common rich cultural heritage.

The King and Queen of Bhutan receive by the President and First Lady of Mongolia. Photo credit: Queen Jetsun Pema instagram

Photo credit: Queen Jetsun Pema instagram

On day one of the state visit, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of several memoranda that aimed to strengthen their ties and cooperation.

The King of Bhutan and the President of Mongolia

A Brief History of Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia with a population of just 3.3 million, making it the world's most sparsely populated sovereign state. 

It is the world's largest landlocked country that does not border a closed sea, and much of its area is covered by grassy steppe and mountains.

In 1206, Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous land empire in history. His grandson Kublai Khan conquered China proper and established the Yuan dynasty. 

After the collapse of the Yuan, the Mongols retreated to Mongolia. In the 16th century, Tibetan Buddhism spread to Mongolia, being further led by the Manchu-founded Qing dynasty, which absorbed the country in the 17th century. 

After the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared independence, and achieved actual independence from the Republic of China in 1921. 

In 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was founded as a socialist state. After the anti-communist revolutions of 1989, Mongolia conducted its own peaceful democratic revolution in early 1990. This led to a multi-party system, a new constitution of 1992, and transition to a market economy.