Foreign Secretary Jaishankar Discusses SAARC Co-operation in Bhutan

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today held talks with Bhutan's top leadership on stepping up India's ties with SAARC nations besides reviewing regional cooperation and bilateral ties.

The Foreign Secretary called on Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay soon after arriving here on the first leg of his 'SAARC Yatra'.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed AKbaruddin tweeted,

Foreign Secy's SAARC Yatra. Discussions in Thimpu on SAARC coop; BBIN (Bangladesh,Bhutan,India,Nepal) sub-regional coop;& bilateral ties.

- Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) March 1, 2015

Thimphu is the first stop for Mr Jaishankar who will travel to three other countries during the 'yatra'. He is also scheduled to meet Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Another tweet by Mr Akbaruddin said,

Foreign Secy's SAARC Yatra. 1st stop Thimpu. Meetings with PM @tsheringtobgay & HM the King & HM the 4th King. pic.twitter.com/pedFkrQ9yS

- Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) March 1, 2015

Mr Jaishankar's Bhutan trip will be followed by Bangladesh on March 2, Pakistan on March 3 and Afghanistan on March 4.

During the visit to the capital cities of SAARC nations, Mr Jaishankar will review various initiatives for the region, including SAARC satellites and regional university, as were proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nepal for SAARC Summit last year.