New Delhi: Describing India-Bhutan bilateral relations as marked by extensive, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial cooperation, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday expressed India’s desire to strengthen economic cooperation and bilateral engagement with the neighbouring country.
During his meeting with Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y Thinley, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President expressed his satisfaction at the excellent state of India-Bhutan bilateral relations marked by extensive, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial cooperation.
He said India’s wish and intention is to further strengthen, expand and reinforce the canvas of economic cooperation and bilateral engagement.
The President described Mr Thinley an old esteemed friend of India and said India values his long standing, strong personal support for strengthening India-Bhutan relations, and his pioneering role as the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Bhutan.
He complimented the government and people of Bhutan for the democratic transition and consolidation of democratic values and institutions since 2008.
The President said the government and the people of India were delighted to have King of Bhutan as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day function this year.
The President said India is always sensitive to Bhutanese wishes and aspirations and hoped that Bhutan would also be sensitive to India’s concerns. (PTI)