May 14, 2008-The Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh will visit Bhutan from May 16 to May 17.

The Prime Minister will be 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.

A news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Bhutan and India enjoy close ties of friendship and cooperation at all levels and in every sphere. It says this relationship continues to flourish under the farsighted leadership of the two countries. A notable feature in fostering closer relation has been the sustained interactions and exchange of high level visits.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will be received in audience by Their Majesties the Kings. He will also call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchen Jigme Thinley to exchange views on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

While in Bhutan, the Indian Prime Minister will also address the joint session of the Parliament, dedicate the Tala Hydropower Project to the People of Bhutan and India and lay the foundation stone for the 1095 Megawatt Punatshangchu Hydropower Project.

The news release says the first visit by the Indian 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.