Thimphu, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar received a warm welcome from Bhutan’s Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji upon his arrival in Thimphu on September 17. Expressing gratitude on social media, Jaishankar acknowledged the hospitality extended to him.
Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan. On the first day, he visited one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, Kurji Lhakhang, where he offered prayers for the welfare of both nations and the strengthening of India-Bhutan relations.
During his trip, Jaishankar toured the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang alongside his Bhutanese counterpart, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel. He presented 43 purebred Jersey cows from India to support Bhutan’s dairy cattle breeding program, which aims to boost milk production and assist local farmers. Jaishankar noted that the breeding program would benefit around 40,000 farmers.
The ministers also explored the historic Wangduecholing Palace and Museum in Bumthang on Wednesday. Furthermore, they laid the foundation stone for the 500-kilowatt Lunana Hydropower Project in Gasa, which Jaishankar described as a “proud milestone” in the long-standing energy cooperation between the two countries. This partnership dates back to 1967, beginning with Bhutan’s first hydroelectric plant, Jungshina, and has now reached remote areas lacking electricity.
Additionally, the two officials inaugurated the 65-bed Gyaltshuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Monggar, enhancing healthcare access, particularly for mothers and children in eastern Bhutan. They also opened the 80-meter-long Jagannathan Bridge in Samdrup Jongkhar, which will improve connectivity between Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar, further solidifying the friendship between India and Bhutan.
Jaishankar held discussions with Lyonpo Dhungyel to review comprehensive cooperation between the neighboring countries, focusing on development partnerships, energy, trade, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people relations.
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