External Affairs Minister Krishna arrives in Bhutan for talks, bilateral pacts

Paro (Bhutan) June 18(ANI): Foreign Minister S M Krishna arrived in Paro in Bhutan on Thursday, for a two-day visit to the Himalayan kingdom.

This is the first foreign visit by Krishna after he assumed charge of the Foreign Ministry.

Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering and Information and Broadcasting Minister Nandlal Rai received S M Krishna, and the Indian delegation consisting of Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon and other Foreign Ministry officials at Paro International Airport.

Soon after his arrival, Krishna said India and Bhutan share a uniquely warm and cordial relation, which are founded on close consultations, maturity, trust, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

Krishna also mentioned that the key element of the tour would be to strengthen co-operation in joint hydropower generation projects between both countries.

At present, the joint hydropower project between India and Bhutan was harnessing only four per cent of the total capacity of 30,000 MW, which Bhutan has and the target is to increase it by 10,000 MW by 2020.

The External Affairs Minister, flagged off the first flight between Paro (Bhutan) and Bagdogra (Assam) by Druk Air Bhutan, which would facilitate greater connectivity and promote trade and tourism between India and Bhutan.

Beside strengthening of bilateral ties, a wide range of issues, including economic co-operation is expected to figure in the dialogue between Krishna and the Bhutanese leadership.(ANI)