Thimpu: India today said relations with Bhutan have reached a "new high" this year and hoped that the ties between the world s largest and newest democracies would become "deeper and more fruitful" in future.

On the eve of her return after a four-day visit to the Himalayan nation during which she attended the coronation of world s youngest monarch Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Patil said she was deeply privileged and honoured to be here to rejoice with the people of Bhutan.

This year has been "historic" for Bhutan with coronation of the fifth king, the celebration of the centenary of the Wangchuck dynasty and the establishment of a democratically- elected government, the President, who was on her maiden visit to the country, said in a statement.

She said by a happy coincidence it was also the golden jubilee of India s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru s visit to Bhutan in 1958,which she described as a "landmark year" for bilateral relations.

"We are delighted that this extraordinary convergence has been celebrated by the visits of Prime Minister Mannmohan Singh to Bhutan and Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigme Y Thinley to India which have laid the foundation for taking our relations to a new high," she said.

She extended warm felicitation to the new king and wished him a long, peaceful and bountiful reign.

Patil also extended an invitation to the 28-year old king to visit India at his earliest convenience.
Source : PTI