India looks forward to close ties with Bhutan: Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday said India looks forward to continuing close cooperation on issues of national interest, including mutual security matters with Bhutan as its visiting Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay called on him here.

Welcoming Tobgay and his delegation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president congratulated him and his Peoples Democratic Party for the impressive victory in the second democratic elections in Bhutan, an official statement said.

Mukherjee noted that Bhutan has in the last five years completed a historical transition to democratic and constitutional monarchy.

"The smooth transition is a tribute to Bhutan's wise leadership," he said.

Reciprocating the president's sentiments, Tobgay expressed hope that his visit would further enhance the ties of friendship between Bhutan and India and go a long way in strengthening their relations.