A toast to friendship
His Majesty’s first state visit to India after the coronation in November last year, further strengthens the close ties shared between Bhutan and India
December 27, 2009: After the five-day state visit to India, His Majesty Jigme Khesar returned to Bhutan 26th December, 2009. During the visit, hailed successful and historical, the governments of Bhutan and India signed 12 agreements for development of hydropower, information and communication technology (ICT), health and aviation sector among others.
A joint press statement released by the two governments, stated the two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the government of India assisted projects and programs in the 10th Five Year Plan as well as other projects and activities outside the plan.
His Majesty conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
The two governments expressed their satisfaction at cooperation in the hydropower sector and reiterated their commitment to achieve the target of 10,000 MW of power generation in Bhutan by 2020.
Four memorandums of understanding (MoU) on hydropower projects were signed. This include the preparation of detailed project reports of the Amochhu Reservoir Hydroelectric Project (620 MW), the Kuri Gongri Hydroelectric Project (1,00 MW), the Chamkharchhu-I Hydro Electric Project (670 MW) and the Kholongchhu Hydropower Electric Project (486 MW).
The two governments also agreed to work closely to conclude the implementation agreements for Mangdechhu and Punatshangchhu-II Hydro Electric Projects and commence pre-construction activities for these two projects in the first quarter of 2010.
An MoU for the establishment of the state-of-the-art Bhutan Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) that will be the premier medical institute in the country, was also signed by the Bhutanese foreign minister and the external affairs of India. This agreement was signed recognizing the importance of expanding medical education in Bhutan to meet the objective of providing effective health services.
The project will be implemented with financial support from the Indian government and technical expertise and support will be provided by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, that will also facilitate the accreditation of BIMS.
As ICT development in the country has been a priority for the government, the Indian Prime Minister, while lauding Bhutan’s efforts to develop a knowledge-based ICT economy, confirmed India’s support of Nu 2.5 billion for the ‘Total Solutions Project’.
The project will provide access to information technology and IT solutions to significant proportions of Bhutan’s populace including rural children and teachers by training and establishing ICT enabled schools, computer labs and computer stations in rural pockets over the next five years.
An MoU in the aviation sector was also signed between the two governments. The last Air Services Agreement was signed between the two countries in 1991. The new agreement deals with incorporating aviation safety and security provisions and expansion of international aviation.
The two governments also agreed to conclude the MoU for the establishment of the Golden Jubilee Rail Line by completing the technical survey soon.
Other MoUs and agreements signed include drug demand reduction and prevetion of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemical and related matters, arrangement of search and rescue operation services, technical assistance to the National Environment commission and consultancy services for the preparation of the national transmission grid master Plan of Bhutan, amongst other.
During His Majesty’s visit, Bhutan and India also exchanged views on the SAARC Summit to be held in Thimphu next year. Bhutan expressed its appreciation for the support provided by the Indian government for the Summit.
The joint press release states the visit of His Majesty the King’s visit marks an important milestone in the close and friendly relations between the two countries and has contributed significantly towards further strengthening the profound friendship, mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Source: bhutantimes