Indo-Bhutan Ties: Drukair Flight to Take off From September 1

Guwahati-Singapore

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Aug 30: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan would receive a major boost with the launch of new international flight by Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines connecting Guwahati with Singapore. He said this while taking part at the ceremonially launch of this new international flight in a programme held at Hotel Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati on Thursday. The inaugural flight between Guwahati and Singapore will take off on September 1 from LGBI Airport. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed the initiative historic and expressed his deep appreciation to the Royal Government of Bhutan and Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines for the endeavour to connect Guwahati directly with Singapore. He said that the initiative would not only facilitate trade and people to people contact among Bhutan, Assam and Singapore but also contribute towards strengthening social, cultural and economic ties.

Extolling the deep rooted relationship between India and Bhutan, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the new initiative in aviation sector would give a major fillip to diplomatic relations between the two nations. He said that the linkages between the two countries have deep historical and civilization roots, going back to several centuries. “Bhutan has always been our most exotic and resourceful neighbour with its unique and vibrant ethnicity and is known for promoting peace and human values.”

Stating that Government of India’s Act East Policy has turned the entire North Eastern region into the Centre of New India’s growth vision and implementation, Sonowal observed that Bhutan should also take full advantage of this Policy enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for greater economic empowerment.

Karma Tsheltrim, Advisor to the Interim Government, Ministry of Economic Affairs of Royal Government of Bhutan, Assam Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Kesang Wangdi, Ambassador, Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Guwahati, senior dignitaries of the Royal Government of Bhutan and Drukair Corporation Limited and senior officials of Government of Assam, Airport Authority of India and major travel agents were present in the launching ceremony.

Noteworthy that during the inauguration of Royal Bhutanese Consulate General in Guwahati on February 2 this year, Foreign Minister of Royal Government of Bhutan Damcho Dorji announced this flight and within a couple of months this has become a reality marking a new beginning in air connectivity in the region.