New Delhi
7 February 2007
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on Wednesday
made his debut on the world stage when he arrived in New Delhi on a six-day official
visit. This is his first visit to a foreign country after assuming the responsibilities as
monarch in December 2006.
India and Bhutan will sign a revised treaty of friendship on Thursday, which will give
Bhutan more freedom in foreign and defence policies. It will replace the 1949 India-
Bhutan Friendship Treaty.
The foreign ministry of Bhutan has said that the new Treaty not only reflects the
contemporary and expanded nature of the relationship between the two countries but
also provides the foundation for the continued growth of this excellent relationship in the
21st century.
The 26-year-old, Oxford-educated monarch ascended the throne after his father abdicated
last year. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will oversee Bhutan's transformation
from a tightly controlled monarchy to a parliamentary democracy next year.
The foreign ministry of Bhutan has said that the visit reflects the close ties of friendship
and cooperation between India and Bhutan and it is in keeping with the tradition of
regular exchanges of visits at the highest levels between the two countries.
It said, "[The visit] aims to consolidate the mutually beneficial relationship in a manner
that is responsive to and serves each other's national interests through close
cooperation [and] will greatly contribute to further strengthening the mutual
understanding, trust and friendship between the governments, leaders and peoples of
the two countries."
On Wednesday, the King met with Home Affairs Minister Shivraj Patil and National
Security Adviser MK Narayanan.
On Thursday morning, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary
Shivshankar Menon are scheduled to call on the King. The monarch will meet with
President APJ Abdul Kalam and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi later in the day. In the
evening, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will hold talks with the King. They will preside
over the signing of agreements.
On Friday, Defence Minister AK Antony, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek
Singh Ahluwalia and Chief of Army Staff JJ Singh will meet with the King.
On Saturday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani and Finance Minister P
Chidambaram will meet with the King.
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