His Majesty to visit India next week

New Delhi, July 22: India and Bhutan will further cement their political and economic ties when His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk visits New Delhi on a six-day working visit next week.

He will be accompanied by Crown Prince Trongsa Penlop Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is set to take over as Bhutan's throne in 2008. Other member of the delegation is Trade and Industry Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba.

"His majesty's visit would provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral and other issues of mutual interest," the external affairs ministry said in a statement announcing the visit.

His Majesty will call on President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. The king is also likely to meet chairman of the ruling United Progressive Alliance coalition Sonia Gandhi.

The kingdom's foreign policy is guided by India, which also contributes substantially to its economic development.

India recently provided an assistance package worth $450 million to Bhutan for its ninth five-year plan ending 2007.

The kind had visited India in January as chief guest on Republic Day. He was on a state visit again last year during which both sides reviewed an entire gamut of bilateral ties, including cooperation in hydropower projects, border management and security related issues.

India has hailed Wangchuk's decision to abdicate in favor of his son in 2008 and the transition to democracy that year. Bhutan News Service