India was keen on strengthening, expanding and reinforcing the canvas of economic cooperation and bilateral engagement with Bhutan, said President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday while receiving Jigmi Y. Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan, at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
The President said India was always sensitive to Bhutanese wishes and aspirations and hoped that Bhutan would also reciprocate. Expressing satisfaction at the “excellent state” of bilateral relations marked by extensive, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial cooperation, Mr. Mukherjee complimented the government and the people of Bhutan for the democratic transition and consolidation of democratic values and institutions since 2008.
Mr. Thinley described India as its most important partner. Bhutan’s peace, stability, prosperity and happiness all depended on how it maintained its special relationship with India, he said, adding Bhutan’s future was intertwined with that of India.
He said Bhutan desired to strengthen and deepen relations with India and his mission to India was to express the gratitude of the Bhutanese people for the substantial support rendered by India for its development, for the democratic process and for the high importance attached by India to bilateral relations with Bhutan.
