Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has conveyed to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck India’s “full commitment” and support to the country’s socio-economic welfare, particularly for development of its hydropower resources.
During their talks, the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Wangchuck and Singh expressed satisfaction at the “excellent state of bilateral relations” and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen them, an official release said.
It said Wangchuck conveyed the Bhutanese people’s appreciation for the “invaluable support and assistance” being provided by India to Bhutan. The meetings were held in a very warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of trust, cooperation and understanding that underpins the bilateral relations between the two countries, officials said.
The Bhutanese King and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit at the invitation of the President Pranab Mukherjee.
Wangchuck is accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs, lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs, lyonpo Rinzin Dorji, Minister of Economic Affairs, lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk and senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Wangchuck met President Pranab Mukherjee and held wide ranging discussions on issues of mutual interest.
The Royal couple expressed their appreciation to the President for inviting them to be the first guests at the refurbished guest wing of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Wangchuck also called on Vice-President Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon.