GUWAHATI, Aug 31 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan would receive a major boost with the launching of a new international flight by Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, connecting Guwahati with Singapore.
He said this while taking part at the ceremonial launch of the new international flight in a programme held here on Thursday evening.
The inaugural flight between Guwahati and Singapore will take off tomorrow from the LGBI Airport here.
Sonowal termed the initiative historic and expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Bhutan and Drukair for their endeavour to connect Guwahati directly with Singapore.
He said 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, Sonowal said the new initiative in aviation sector would strengthen the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He said the linkages between the two countries have deep historical 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,� he said.
Sonowal observed that Bhutan should also take full advantage of the Act East Policy enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the greater economic empowerment of the region.
Karma Tsheltrim, Advisor to the Interim Government, Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Assam Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Kesang Wangdi, Ambassador at Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Guwahati, senior dignitaries from Bhutan, Drukair Corporation Limited and senior officials of the State government, the Airport Authority of India and major travel agents were present in the launching ceremony.
