Pranab hails cooperation between India, Bhutan

New Delhi  :  Expressing satisfaction at the multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with Bhutan, President Pranab Mukherjee Friday said India desired to further strengthen its relations with the Himalayan country.

At a meeting with visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley, Mukherjee said: “India’s wish and intention is to further strengthen, expand and reinforce the canvas of economic cooperation and bilateral engagement.”

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

Mukherjeee described Thinley an old and 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.

Describing India as his country’s most important partner, Thinley said Bhutan’s peace, stability, prosperity and happiness all depends on how it maintains its special relationship with India.

Thinley began his three-day India visit Thursday.

File Photo  : AFP