By IRNA,
New Delhi : India’s Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Friday morning left for Bhutan on a two-day official visit.
Singh’s visit to Bhutan comes at a time when the country is taking steps towards democracy and celebrating 100 years of the Wangchuck dynasty and 50 years of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s month- long tour.
It is also a year in which Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck will be coronated as the fifth King of Druk Yul or the land of the Thunder Dragon as the Bhutanese people call their motherland.
Energy cooperation is expected to dominate the talks Singh will have with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley.
Singh, the first international leader to visit the world’s “youngest democracy”, will address the joint session of Bhutan’s first Parliament besides announcing a substantial contribution to the country’s 10th Five Year Plan.
During his visit, he will dedicate the 1020 Megawatt, Tala hydroelectric project, built with India’s assistance, besides laying the foundation of the 1095 Megawatt, Punat-sangchhu hydroelectric project.
In his departure statement, Singh said, hydropower cooperation with Bhutan has emerged as a win-win proposition for both the countries.
Both sides have established a comprehensive framework of mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, from a modest beginning in 1961.
Meanwhile, Bhutan says, it is according great significance to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit, as it will give the new government the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues and create room for further collaboration.