India conveys full support for Bhutan's development

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has conveyed to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck India's full commitment and support to the Himalayan kingdom's socio-economic development and also for development of its hydropower resources.

The meeting with the Bhutan king 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, said a joint statement.

The Bhutan king is visiting India from Jan 6-10 along with his Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

The king held extensive talks with Manmohan Singh, who also hosted a lunch in the honour of the royal couple. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They recalled the strong historical ties of friendship and understanding that exist between the two countries.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen them. The King conveyed the Bhutanese people's appreciation for the invaluable support and assistance that the Indian government provides to Bhutan.

The prime minister and other Indian leaders reiterated their full commitment and support to Bhutan's socio-economic development and to further development of Bhutan's hydropower resources.

The royal couple also held wide ranging discussions with President Pranab Mukherjee on issues of mutual interest. The king and queen expressed their appreciation to the president for inviting them to be the first guests at the refurbished guest wing of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The president hosted a dinner in their honour.

The visit reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges and further strengthened the special friendship between the two countries, the statement said.