Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Bhutan on a two-day state visit to promote the ‘time-tested friendship’ between the two countries.

In Bhutan, I look forward to having fruitful discussions with H.M. the King, H.M. the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and @PMBhutan on the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. I also look forward to addressing young Bhutanese students at the prestigious Royal University of Bhutan. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2019

In his departure statement issued on Friday, the prime minister said his visit to the Himalayan nation in the beginning of the current term reflects the high importance his government attaches to New Delhi’s relations with Bhutan– a ‘trusted friend and neighbour’.

On 17th and 18th August, I will be in Bhutan for a bilateral visit that reflects the high importance attached to strong relations with our trusted friend and neighbour. I would be taking part in a wide range of programmes during this visit. https://t.co/X4LJXMscAc — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2019

He expressed confidence that his visit will promote India’s ‘time-tested and valued friendship’ with Bhutan and consolidate it further for the prosperous future and progress of the people of both the countries.