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On April 11, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay , Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Thereafter, the leaders held a joint press announcement.
 
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner banquet at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, and said in his address,
 
“I am truly delighted to welcome Prime Minister Tobgay and his wife, who are important friends of Japan, to this country.
 
At the summit meeting held earlier today, Prime Minister Tobgay and I held a very extensive exchange of views. From now on, I would like you to relax and enjoy Japanese cuisine.
 
Japan and Bhutan share one of the warmest and most cordial relationships in the world. The peoples of the two countries share a bond of friendship. For instance, speaking for myself, I was told that Prime Minister Tobgay’s hobby is archery and,  actually, I was a member of the archery club when I was a student. Currently, as I am serving as the President of the All Japan Archery Federation, I feel a strong sense of affinity with Prime Minister Tobgay. If we have the opportunity, I would certainly love to have an archery match with Prime Minister Tobgay. At the same time, however, since I am the President of the All Japan Archery Federation, I would like to refrain from revealing my true archery abilities.
 
The friendly relations between Japan and Bhutan have also been supported by the actions and dedication of the people of both countries. One such person was the late Dasho Keiji Nishioka, who worked tirelessly on agricultural development in Bhutan and earned trust with his dedication and sincerity. Mrs. Satoko Nishioka, who undertook this journey with him, is here with us this evening.  
 
In the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake, their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan  visited Japan, and encouraged many Japanese people including those in the areas affected by the disaster. Today, we are joined by Kasumi Goto and Kaito Abe, who were both elementary school students at the time of the disaster. They have both overcome the difficult time of the disaster and grown up to be splendid young people. The areas affected by the disaster are strongly recovering, and I would like Prime Minister Tobgay to see that for himself tomorrow.
 
We have invited to tonight’s banquet many people who have supported our wonderful friendship with Bhutan in various fields, including politics, the economy, academia, and culture.
 
It is thanks to all of your efforts that Japan and Bhutan share such an extremely amicable relationship today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone once again, and request your continued contributions in the future.
 
I would now like to offer a toast to the good health of Prime Minister Tobgay, his wife, and everyone here today, and to the further development of the relationship between Japan and Bhutan.
 
Tashi delek! Cheers!”