The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly and the National Council of Bhutan.
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Bhubaneswar (Orissa): The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the Joint Session of the National Assembly and the National Council of Bhutan. Manmohan became the first ever foreign leader to the parliament of South Asia's newest democracy.
"As Bhutan enters a new era in its history, you can continue to count on India, as a friend and - may I say - an admirer of Bhutan. India will stand by you as a factor of stability and support in your quest for greater prosperity and happiness", Singh told a joint sitting of Bhutan's parliament during his two-day visit there.
"As the first ever elected representatives of your people, you bear a special responsibility, and have a unique opportunity, to translate the aspirations of your people into reality", he told newly elected representative of Bhutan.
The Prime Minister also offered India's experience in attempting to bring about socio-economic transformation within the framework of a democratic polity to Bhutan.
Singh also praised the close ties between India and Bhutan. "Our relations are a model of how two neighboring countries, uneven in physical size and attributes, can coexist in perfect harmony," he said.
Manmohan Singh again said that democracy requires sustained commitment to tolerance and the judicious exercise of power as a societal trust to be used for public good. It requires a deep commitment to the rule of law.
Focusing on the economic prosperity of both Indian and Bhutan, the Prime Minister said, "the Indian market offers vast opportunities for Bhutan's agriculture, industry and services sectors. We will work towards the further improvement of connectivity between our two countries so that our borders become the gateways for mutually beneficial undertakings."
There is vast scope for the further expansion of people-to-people contacts, exchange of scholars and experts, he further added.
Singh on Friday met with the country's 28-year-old King Jigme Singye Namgyel Wangchuck.
