India, Bhutan to have bilateral discussions during Khurshid’s visit

January 13, 2013 | National News | Written by

New Delhi, Jan 13: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will pay a two-day official bilateral visit to Bhutan beginning on Monday during which he hold discussions with Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister-in-Charge for Foreign Affairs.

During his first visit to Bhutan, he will receive an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday. He will also have an audience with His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan.

External Affairs Minister will call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Jigmi Y Thinely, on Monday.

India and Bhutan enjoy a special and unique relationship characterized by mutual trust and confidence; deep multi-dimensional, mutually beneficial cooperation including in hydropower development and extensive socio-economic, cultural and religious ties at the popular level.

India continues to be Bhutan’s main development partner and its largest trading partner. In 2011 the bilateral trade reached INR 61.6 billion, which constitutes 72 percent of Bhutan’s total imports and 85 percent of its exports. (ANI)