A Bhutanese parliamentary delegation led by Hon’ble Speaker attended the 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, from 24 to 28 January 2026. The Plenary Session, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, brought together parliamentary leaders from across Asia to deliberate on strengthening intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue in the region. Both the Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan and a Hon’ble Member of Parliament represented Bhutan in the Plenary, contributing to the discussions on regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, and organizational matters of the APA. During the Plenary session, Hon’ble Speaker delivered his statement on the theme “The Role of Asian Parliaments in Strengthening Intercultural and Inter-Civilizational Dialogue in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Pathways.”

On the sidelines of the Plenary, Member of Parliament from Mongar Constituency, Hon. Naiten Wangchuk attended the Executive Council Meeting, which considered key agenda items including the adoption of the agenda, election of the Bureau, report of the APA Secretary General on activities in 2025, and nomination of APA Vice Presidents for 2026.

The meeting also reviewed and adopted the final reports of the Standing Committees on Economic and Sustainable Development, Social and Cultural Affairs, Political Affairs, and Budget and Planning, along with the Manama Declaration which will be circulated among members for review and refinement and adoption. The Bhutanese delegation also held a series of bilateral meetings.

The Hon’ble Speaker’s speech is available at https://nab.parliament.gov.bt/speeches