DHAKA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who begins his two-day visit to Bhutan Sunday, said the neighbouring nation was a "natural choice" as his first foreign destination because of the "unique and special relationship" India shares with it and his trip would focus on making development cooperation "even more effective".

In his pre-departure statement, PM Modi said relations with Bhutan will be a key foreign policy priority of his government.

"I am looking forward to my first-ever visit to Bhutan and to nurturing and further strengthening India's special relations with Bhutan", said Modi.

He is undertaking the trip at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

During the visit, he will lay the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu hydropower project.

"People-to-people contact is an important aspect of our bilateral relations. I intend to discuss with the Bhutanese leadership how to further strengthen these contacts between our countries, particularly among the youth. In this regard, the role of educational links will be very important," he said.

Source: NDTV 

BDST: 1026 HRS, JUN 15, 2014