Paro (Bhutan): Giving further boost to bilateral relations, President Pratibha Patil began her maiden four-day visit to Bhutan during which she will attend the coronation of its fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Patil, who arrived here in a Special Aircraft from New Delhi, was received at the airport here by the Fourth King Jigme Singey Wangchuck, the father of the king-in-waiting, who had announced in December 2005 his decision to step down in favour of his son.

After a warm welcome at the airport, the President left for Thimpu, the capital of the Himalayan nation.

The last high-level visit to Bhutan was made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in May this year after Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) leader Jigme Y Thinley was elected Prime Minister of the first democratically elected government.

Thinley paid a State visit to India in July -- his first foreign tour after assuming office -- reflecting the importance Bhutan attaches to friendship with India. President Patil will attend the two-day ceremony on November six and seven when 28-year-old Jigme Khesar will be crowned king.

The colourful function is likely to be attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her family, and representatives of over two dozen countries.

Source : PTI