Jaishankar calls India-Bhutan partnership 'unique', admires King's vision

Thimphu [Bhutan], April 29 (ANI): After meeting the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar admired his vision of transforming Bhutan and termed it a key aspect in shaping the 'unique' partnership with India.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, "Privileged to be received by His Majesty the King of Bhutan. His vision of transforming Bhutan shapes the direction of our unique partnership."

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, who is visiting Bhutan, also held talks with the Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and discussed the current global scenario along with the bilateral cooperations between the two countries.

During the talks, Jaishankar informed the Prime Minister on the progress in the bilateral cooperation and development partnership. The EAM arrived in Bhutan on an official visit on Friday.

Jaishankar also handed over the 12th consignment of medical supplies to Bhutan, as a gift to Bhutan. He also inaugurated three projects and dedicate them to the people of Bhutan.

Before the visit, he said that he was looking forward to a productive trip and enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan. "Delighted to be back in Bhutan. Good to see @FMBhutan Tandi Dorji. Look forward to a productive visit," Jaishankar tweeted.

He also shared photographs of his arrival here. Jaishankar is in Bhutan at the invitation of his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Tandi Dorji, as per an official statement by India's External Affairs Ministry (MEA).

India and Bhutan share a unique and time-tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding, said the statement. Jaishankar is the Bhutan's first high-level visitor from abroad since March 2020. During the visit, the two sides will discuss all issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation.

Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka, kicking off his three-day visit to Bangladesh and Bhutan from April 28-30. Notably, this is Jaishankar's first visit to Bangladesh since March 2021.

In Dhaka, Jaishankar called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his official visit to the country and also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to her to visit India later this year. EAM Jaishankar also exchanged views with the Bangladesh PM on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

Jaishankar also met his counterpart, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen and extended him an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission to be held in India prior to the visit of PM Hasina. (ANI)

Source: WORLD