Mr. Jigmi Y. Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 8, 2013).

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. He 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 said India is always sensitive to Bhutanese wishes and aspirations and hoped that Bhutan would also be sensitive to India’s concerns.

Mr. Thinley warmly reciprocated the President’s words and described India as its most important partner. Bhutan’s peace, stability, prosperity and happiness all depends on how it maintains its special relationship with India. Bhutan’s future is intertwined with that India. Bhutan desires to strengthen and deepen relations with India. His mission to India is to express the gratitude of the Bhutanese people for the substantial support rendered by India for its development, for the democratic process and for the high importance attached by India to bilateral relations with Bhutan.