West Bengal CM describes Bhutan visit as ‘historic’

Chief Minister of the east Indian state of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on Friday described her visit to Bhutan as ‘historic’ and said it would boost the relationship between the two neighbouring nations.

Returning to the city after her maiden 5-day visit to the Himalayan kingdom, she told reporters at NSC Bose International Airport that Bhutan shared a long-standing relationship with India and West Bengal in particular, which would be further strengthened in various fields.

She said Bhutan shares nearly 183 km of its border with West Bengal. “Accordingly, our culture, heritage, tourism and small-scale industries will be developed,” she said, adding, the state government employees would be able to travel to Bhutan on LTC.

Overwhelmed by the hospitality of her hosts, she said Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay would attend the Biswa Bangla Sammelan on January 8 and 9. The Prime Minister, <g data-gr-id="26">had</g> in fact, come to see her off in Thimphu, she said.

The Bhutanese king with whom she had a telephonic talk before leaving for Kolkata had also expressed his desire to visit the city, she added. According to the foreign ministry, the visit is highly significant as it is the chief minister’s first visit to Bhutan. West Bengal is one of the most important adjoining states in India with which Bhutan has strong trade, economic and cultural relations.

The chief minister said that the two countries will continue to hold discussions on matters that concern both the nations. Banerjee said Bhutan was a beautiful country with peace-loving people. She described her visit to the country as unique. “It was a unique meeting,” she said.