18/12/2023
“To our fellow Bhutanese living abroad, know that you are always in my thoughts. You are part of the reason why we conceived this Gelephu project. Even though you are away from home, I know your hearts are with us in Bhutan. You yearn to be home with your family and friends. If you could choose, you would be here. The Gelephu project is to enable you to return. In the meantime, please work hard and gain knowledge and skills. Your experience and exposure overseas will be invaluable for Bhutan as we build our future together”.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
(An abstract from the Royal Addresss to the Nation on 116th National Day of Bhutan, 17 December 2023)