S M Krishna arrives in Bhutan

Priyanka Tikoo

Paro (Bhutan), Jun 18 (PTI) India's External Affairs
Minister S M Krishna, on his first foreign visit after
assuming office, arrived here Thursday on a two-day visit
during which he will hold bilateral meetings with Bhutanese
leadership.

Krishna, who is accompanied by Foreign Secretary
Shivshanker Menon and other senior officials of the Ministry,
was received by Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Ugyen
Tshering and Information and Broadcasting Minister Nandlal Rai
on his arrival at the international airport here.

The External Affairs Minister also flagged off the
first flight of Paro-Bagdogra (Assam) flight of Bhutan's Druk
Air that would facilitate greater connectivity to promote
trade and tourism between the two countries.

"India and Bhutan share uniquely warm and cordial
relation. These are founded on close consultations, maturity,
complete trust, mutual understanding, shared interest and
mutually beneficial cooperation," Krishna said in his remarks
after arriving here.

He also said that his visit was aimed at further
strengthening of the bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

While a multifaceted cooperation covers a broad
canvas, he said cooperation in the hydro-power sector is the
key element. PTI