Thimphu for more ties with Dhaka
King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk yesterday said his country is keen to further promote relationship with Bangladesh, strengthen democratic institutions, and establish greater cooperation among the South Asian nations.
The King told this to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni who is now in Bhutanese capital Thimpu to attend the meeting of Saarc Council of Ministers. Dipu Moni yesterday had an audience with Wangchuk, the fifth king of Bhutan.
During the meeting, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk said both he and his father, the fourth king, were keen to promote relations with Bangladesh and held Bangladesh in high regard.
Wangchuk also stated that he held Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in high esteem for her visionary leadership and personal qualities and contribution to promotion of cooperation among the countries in the region.
The foreign minister handed over a letter of invitation from Bangladesh president to the Bhutanese king inviting him to visit Bangladesh as a guest during the 40th anniversary celebration of Independence and National Day on March 26, 2011.
The King graciously accepted the invitation and said he would be happy to visit Bangladesh on the occasion.
In this context, Wangchuk recalled that he had visited Bangladesh only once as a young boy and was willing to make further visit, said a foreign ministry press release.
During the nearly hour-long audience, Dipu Moni took the opportunity to recall Bhutanese prime minister's recent and successful visit to Bangladesh, which had contributed to further cementing of the relations between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan Imtiaz Ahmed accompanied the foreign minister during the audience.
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