Gilani, Thinley agree to enhance cooperation in diverse fields
ADDU ATOLL, (Maldives) Nov 9 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmey Y. Thinley on Wednesday reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations through closer interaction at government and people-to-people levels. The Bhutanese Prime Minister called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Wednesday on the sidelines of 17th SAARC Summit which will start on Thursday. Prime Minister Gilani expressed the hope that interaction among SAARC states would provide an effective and viable mechanism for promotion of peace, development and progress in the region.
Half an hour long one-on-one and delegation level bilateral meeting covered a whole range of bilateral issues besides regional situation.
 Both the leaders discussed the bilateral issues and agreed to further strengthened the ties in all the fields.
 During the talks, the two sides expressed resolve to further strengthen ties in all spheres, with a particular focus on trade, tourism and business ties.
 Prime Minister Gilani emphasised the need to make the SAARC more active and vibrant to play more active role in promoting trade and economic  ties and enhance connectivity.
 He appreciated the active contribution of Bhutan in SAARC and also acknowledged its efforts for hosting the previous 16th SAARC Summit in April last year.
 The Prime Minister while highlighting the diplomatic relations between the two countries said these ties are being strengthened with the expansion in the number of diplomats of each other’s countries.
 Prime Minister Gilani extended an invitation to Prime Minister Thinley to visit Pakistan which he accepted.
 The Bhutanese Prime Minister while underlining the great potential of cooperation and progress of the SAARC countries, welcomed Pakistan’s strong commitment to take the SAARC process forward with more engagement of other members.
 The Prime Minister of Bhutan thanked Prime Minister Gilani for extending support for the improvement of human resources and told him that efforts are being made to send some students to study medicine and engineering.
 Appreciating the improvement of Pak-India relations, he said, these relations would further enhance the potential of SAARC and increase trade and economic activities in the region.
 Prime Minister Gilani while extending warm greetings to King of Bhutan also asked him to convey invitation to the King to visit Pakistan.
 He said King of Bhutan is custodian of Eastern culture.
 The Prime Minister of Bhutan while congratulating Prime Minister Gilani on election as the member of the Security Council, said Bhutan extended full support in this election.
 He told the Prime Minister that Bhutan is interested to move a resolution on happiness, entitled Grand National Happiness Resolution and hoped that Pakistan will extend support to Bhutan in this regard.