PM conveys New Year greetings to top leaders of neighbouring countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held telephonic conversations with top leers of Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Banglesh, Nepal, and Maldives, conveying New Year greetings and emphasizing India's commitment to regional peace and security as well as 'neighborhood first' policy.

Modi spoke to King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Banglesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

prime minister also spoke to his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

" prime minister conveyed to leers his New Year greetings and good wishes on behalf of people of India and on his own behalf," PMO said in a release.

It said Modi emphasised India's commitment to 'neighbourhood first' policy and vision of shared peace, security, prosperity and progress for all of India's friends and partners in region.

In his conversation with Hasina, Modi congratulated her on being re-elected as president of Awami League for next three years.

prime minister also expressed his condolence on untimely demise of former High Commissioner of Banglesh to India Syed Muazzem Ali.

"He also stated that upcoming birth centenary of Bangbandhu and 50 years of liberation of Banglesh and establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties provided important milestones to furr progress of close India-Banglesh ties, which is a priority of his government," PMO said.

In his conversation with Bhutanese King, Modi highlighted important achievements of last year which have led to furr consolidation of special ties between India and Bhutan.

prime minister also mentioned that he was looking forward to forthcoming visit of King to India.

In his talks with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Modi expressed confidence that India and Sri Lanka would furr enhance ir friendly ties in year 2020.

Speaking to Prime Minister Oli, Modi expressed satisfaction over progress in India-Nepal relations in 2019 with completion of several projects.

"He specifically ted completion of Motihari (India)- Amlekhgunj (Nepal) petroleum products pipeline in a record time," PMO said.

"Both leers also agreed to an early inauguration of Integrated Check Post in Biratnagar and housing reconstruction project in Nepal through video conference," it said.

In his conversation with prime minister of Sri Lanka, Modi reiterated India's commitment to furr expand close and extensive cooperation with island nation.

Modi also wished President of Maldives Solih.

"President Solih warmly reciprocated prime minister's wishes and expressed his keen desire to furr deepen and strengn ties with India by enhancing existing bilateral cooperation and exploring newer areas for working toger," release said.