PM visits Bhutan to strengthen ties between the two countries

Paro (Bhutan), May 16 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached Bhutan on Friday on a two-day visit, to the Himalayan kingdom to boost economic and bilateral ties.

Dr. Singh became the first international leader to visit Himalayan nation, after it joined the league of democratic countries following the polls in March this year.

The PM was accorded a warm welcome by his newly instated Bhutanese counterpart, Jigme Thinley.

Lauding the peaceful transition of Bhutan to a democratic monarchy, Dr. Singh said, "It's a very exciting event. Bhutan has just witnessed elections, a marvellous development and peaceful transition to a democratic monarchy. As a democracy, we cherish this moment and we will use our visit to strengthen in every possible way, the close bonds of friendship which unite our two countries and our people."

Dr. Singh's visit is aimed at enhancing ties with Bhutan.

The PM will inaugurate a hydel project and lay foundation stone for another such project in Bhutan during his visit. Bhutan exports most of its hydel power to India.

India and Bhutan share a historic friendship and India has been the nation's largest aid donor for providing assistance towards Bhutan's development.

India has funded all of Bhutan's major projects, including the airport at Paro, the Bhutan broadcasting station, the Bhutan-India microwave link, and all exploration, survey and mapping of mineral resources.

ANI