May 17: The Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in the Kingdom yesterday morning.

Dr. Manmohan Singh is in the kingdom on a two day visit. He is accompanied by the National Security Advisor Mr. M.K Narayanan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. T.K Nair, Foreign Secretary Mr. Shivshankar Menon, Joint Secretary North Ms. Preeti Saran, and other senior officials.

Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh was received by his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley and his wife Aum Rinsy Dem Thinley, Minister-in-waiting Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu, Bhutanese Ambassador to India Lyonpo Dago Tshering, the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhir Vyas, and Chief of Protocol Kunzang C. Namgyel.

At the reception, students presented Khadhars and bouquets to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Chief of Protocol Kinzang C. Namgyel then presented the cabinet ministers, senior government officials and heads of diplomatic missions and UN system.

Among the officials were the Works and Human Settlement Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Foreign Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Pema Gyamtsho, Information and Communications Minister Lyonpo Nandalal Rai, Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, Auditor General Ugyen Chewang, National Council Chairperson Namgay Penjore, UN Resident Representative Nicholas Rossellini and Mrs. Vasundhara Vyas.

Speaking to the media shortly after his arrival, Dr. Manmohan Singh said they will use the visit to strengthen in every possible way the close bonds of friendship which unite the peoples of the two countries.

"It is after 25 years that Indian PM is coming to Bhutan. This is very auspicious year for Bhutan. This is the centenary year of the Wangchuck dynasty, this is the year of coronation of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and this is the year which saw the ushering in of the democratically elected government. So my visit assumes special significance. I have come with a message for the people and the government of Bhutan that India stands ready to join hands with the people and the government of Bhutan to strengthen our relationship to do our bit for accelerating development of Bhutan and we look forward to 21st century, the two countries walking together hand in hand, furthering the cause of cooperation and friendship. It is an exciting event. Bhutan has just witnessed elections, marvelous developments, and peaceful transition to a democratic monarchy as a democracy. We cherish this moment and we’ll use our visit to strengthen in every possible way the close bonds of friendship which unite our two countries," said Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.

A news release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry says the visit by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will greatly contribute to further strengthening of the mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the governments, leaders and peoples of the two countries.