India hopeful of good strategic and political relationship with US: Pranab

Thimpu, Nov 5 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee welcomed Barack Obama victory in the 2008 US Presidential Elections, and hoped that strategic and political relations between the two countries would continue to improve under the new Democratic administration.

"We welcomed the new president; our relation with the U.S. is strategic and multi-dimensional and they are expanding. I do hope that under the new president ship of Obama the same momentum would continue," Mukherjee said.

When asked about history being made by the election of Obama as the first black president of U.S., he said it is a major change and the things are quite clear that in democracy even the majority can overcome the social prejudice or other types of mental blocks.

He further spoke about India's relation with Bhutan. He said our relation is very unique and Bhutan is our closest neighbour. This relationship has developed over year. We both take care of the concerns, aspirations and requirements of each other. That's why this relation is based on trust.

President Pratibha Patil and Mukherjee are on a four-day visit to Bhutan to attend the coronation ceremony of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.

Earlier today on her arrival, the President was accorded guard of honour and given a colourful reception at the Paro Airport.

Present King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley received President Patil at the airport.

The new king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, will meet President Patil at hotel Taj Tashi in Thimphu.

She would be the guest of honour during the coronation ceremony, which starts from November 6.

The visit of President Patil at this significant moment in Bhutan's history will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

India and Bhutan strengthened their bilateral ties in 2007 by signing a revised Treaty of Friendship that gave Thimphu more freedom in running its foreign policy and military affairs.

Bhutan saw the last coronation nearly 35 years ago in 1974, when fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk was crowned at the age of 17.

The coronation comes barely six months after Bhutan's historic first democratic election in March this year and underlines the royal family's commitment to push Bhutan on the path of democracy while continuing with hereditary monarchy that inspires a lot of affection and respect among the Bhutanese people. By Ravi Shankar

ANI