President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday that India looks forward to continuing close cooperation with Bhutan on issues of national interest, including mutual security interests.
Welcoming Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and his delegation, who called on him at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, President Mukherjee congratulated him and his party for the impressive victory in the second democratic elections in Bhutan.
President Mukherjee said that Bhutan has in the last five years completed a historical transition to democratic and constitutional monarchy, and added that the smooth transition is a tribute to Bhutan's wise leadership.
He said that the Indian Government looks forward to working closely with the Bhutanese Prime Minister and his new team.
President Mukherjee said that Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan, for the period 2013-18 has commenced and Indian officials have discussed in detail Bhutan's requirement under Government of India assistance for Bhutan's Plan.
He said that he is delighted that Government of India will meet the requirements of Bhutanese Government.
Reciprocating the President's sentiments, the Bhutanese Prime Minister hoped that this visit would further enhance the ties of friendship between Bhutan and India and go a long way in strengthening their relations.
