December 5: His Majesty the King granted an audience to the 15 member US Congressional Delegation led by Senator John McCain at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.

The delegation arrived in the Kingdom on a three day visit on Wednesday, December 3.

The delegation includes Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

A news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the congressional delegation is interested in observing the recent political changes that have taken place in the country, the coronation of His Majesty the King, and Bhutan’s pristine environment.

The delegation also called on the Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley and the Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye yesterday.

While in the kingdom, the delegation will also be visiting places of historical and cultural interests in the Kingdom.

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1958, Senator McCain began his career as a Naval Aviator. He retired from the Navy as a Captain in 1981, moved to Arizona and joined politics. Senator John McCain is currently the senior Senator from Arizona and is on his fourth senate term.

Senator John McCain contested the 2008 US Presidential elections in November as the Republican candidate and lost to Democrat nominee Barack Obama.

The Foreign Ministry says the visit will contribute towards strengthening the growing linkages between Bhutan and the USA.