Lumbini, Oct. 23

The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) welcomed and held discussions with a delegation led by the Secretary of Bhutan’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday. LDT Treasurer Dhundhiraj Bhattarai and Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya welcomed the team, which was headed by Bhutan’s Home Secretary Sonam Wangyel.

In his welcome remarks, Treasurer Bhattarai highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nepal and Bhutan, calling for an environment of collaboration with the Bhutanese government in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. On this occasion, Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya expressed happiness regarding Bhutan's interest in building a monastery in Lumbini and collaborating on this matter.

During the meeting, Bhutan’s Home Secretary Sonam Wangyel also showed interest in constructing a monastery in Lumbini and expressed willingness to collaborate in promoting the birthplace of Buddha. Present at the meeting were Project Chief of LDT Smita Bhatt, Senior Director Gyanin Rai, and board member Shyam Rokka.

The delegation, according to Senior Director Gyanin Rai, also visited the Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini and the Tilaurakot Palace area in Kapilavastu. The delegation is also expected to hold discussions with the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, along with other officials.