BIMSTEC leaders reaffirm their commitment to strengthen regional cooperation

Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen regional cooperation.

The leaders issued messages on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the BIMSTEC on Tuesday, 6th June.

Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell in his message on this occasion said that as it marks its 26th anniversary, BIMSTEC seeks to revisit and re-examine its working methods to better serve the people through the appointment of an Eminent Persons Group to put forth practical recommendations on its future directions.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to meet the challenges of the economic crisis caused by the Ukraine war. She commended BIMSTEC for creating its administrative and regulatory structure and its charter. She reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to help BIMSTEC in transforming itself into a results-driven organisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message said that BIMSTEC framework is India’s commitment to create an enabling environment for the rapid development of the region through joint endeavours in a spirit of equality and friendship. He said the current efforts to have a maritime cooperation agreement and an agreement to facilitate the movement of motor vehicles across the region reinforces the importance of the Bay of Bengal for our collective security, connectivity and prosperity.

BIMSTEC is a regional organisation. Established in 1997, it comprises seven member states including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. Its headquarter is based in Dhaka.