PM accorded warm reception in Thimphu

Bhutan has greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with a warm reception as she landed in Thimphu on a three-day state visit, reports BSS. During her visit, the premier will attend an International Conference on Austism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and hold meetings with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and discuss bilateral and regional issues, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS. A Druk Air flight carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage land at Paro International Airport in Thimphu at 11:35am local time. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan Jishnu Roy Choudhury received the premier at the airport, where she was presented a ceremonial Khandhar (scarf). She was then given a guard of honour as she inspected the guard and received the salute. From the airport, a ceremonial motorcade escorted the prime minister to hotel Le Meridien Thimphu where she will be staying during her state visit. Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Prime Minister’s adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, State Minister for Health Jahid Malik, chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Saima Wazed Hossain and other senior government officials are accompanying the prime minister during the visit. The three-day "International Conference on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders" begins at the Royal Banquet Hall in the Bhutanese capital tomorrow. In the afternoon, the prime minister will be ceremonially received at Tashichhodzong, the Royal Palace. The premier will then have an audience with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema at the Royal Palace. Sheikha Hasina's meeting with her Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay at Gyalyong Tshogkhang will be followed by the signing of six deals on water management, hydro-power, connectivity and trade. The prime minister will fly home Thursday morning.