June 28: The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley left for a six day visit to the Indian capital New Delhi today.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley was seen off from the Paro International Airport by the cabinet ministers, the Indian ambassador Pavan K Varma, Charge d’affaires of the Bangladesh embassy, the UNDP resident representative Van der Vaeren, armed force personnel and senior government officials.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Daw Penjo, the Economic Affairs Secretary Dasho Sonam Tshering, and other senior government officials.

A news release from the Foreign Ministry says the Prime Minister is making the visit to felicitate the newly elected government of India. While in New Delhi, the Prime Minister will call on the President of India Pratibha Patil.

He will also meet with his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh, the President of Indian National Congress Party and Chairperson of United Progressive Alliance Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the opposition LK Advani and senior Indian government officials. During the meetings the two sides are expected to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The news release says the Prime Minister’s visit will be an important milestone in further promoting the goodwill, understanding, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

It will also provide an opportunity to renew and strengthen the existing excellent bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.