Thimphu, May 10 (PTI): Japan's 25-year-old Princess Mako will visit Bhutan to further strengthen the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, becoming the first member of the royal family to visit the Buddhist nation in nearly two decades.
At the invitation Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Princess Mako of Akishino will visit Bhutan from June 1 to 7.
She will be the first member of the country's royal family to visit Bhutan in 19 years. The previous two visits were made by Prince Naruhito in 1987 and Prince Akishino and the Princess Kiko Akishino in 1997.
"Bhutan and Japan share long history of close bilateral relations, and the visit will further strengthen the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," an official Bhutanese statement said.
While in Bhutan, she will attend the opening of the third Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition at the National Memorial Choeten in Thimphu.
She will also visit places of cultural and historical interests in the country.
Princess Mako is the oldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
