HM return back from India
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December 26 – His Majesty King Jigme Khesar returns today after a historic five-day state visit to India from December 21 to 26, which leaders of the two countries hailed as a milestone in Indo-Bhutan cooperation.
During the visit, 12 agreements covering various sectors, including hydropower projects, were signed. “The signing of the very important documents was a clear reflection of the very special bonds of friendship and goodwill and very close relationship that Bhutan enjoys with India,” Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, who accompanied His Majesty, told the Bhutanese media yesterday.
A joint press statement released this morning by the two governments stated the two governments expressed satisfaction at the progress of the government of India assisted projects and programmes in the 10th Plan, as well as other projects and activities outside the Plan. The Indian government reiterated its commitment to assist Bhutan in its socio-economic development.
Bhutan expressed its appreciation for the support provided by the Indian government for the SAARC Summit that will be held in Thimphu in April 2010. Both India and Bhutan agreed to work closely to ensure success of the historic summit.
The two governments expressed satisfaction at cooperation in the hydropower sector and reiterated their commitment to achieve the target of 10,000 MW, for the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) of the Amochhu reservoir, the Kurichhu and the Kholongchhu hydroelectric projects.
It was agreed that both the governments would work closely to conclude the implementation agreements for 720 MW Mangdechhu and 1,000 MW Punatsangchhu II hydroelectric projects, as well as commence pre-construction activities for these two projects in the first quarter of 2010. Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said that two governments agreed to take up finalisation and signing of the implementation agreements for two projects in March 2010.
During the visit, an MoU for the establishment of a Bhutan Institute of Medical Science was signed by the minister of external affairs of India and the foreign minister of Bhutan.
Other agreements and MoUs include drug demand deduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, air services agreement between India and Bhutan. An MoU on technical assistance to the National Environment Commission and consultancy services for the preparation of the National Grid Master Plan of Bhutan were also signed.
The two governments also agreed to conclude the MoU for the establishment of the Golden Jubilee rail line, by completing the requisite technical survey as soon as possible.
The joint statement also said that the visit of His Majesty marks an important milestone in the close and friendly relations between the two countries, thereby contributing significantly towards further strengthening the profound friendship, mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
His Majesty the King thanked the government and the people of India for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to him and members of his delegation.
source: kuensel
