Bimstec reaffirms its critical role to deal with shared security, challenges

Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain global political and economic landscape, the just-held 6th Bimstec Summit has reaffirmed Bimstec's critical role in forging regional cooperation to enable the member states to deal with their shared security and sustainable development challenges, says its Secretariat.

With institutional reforms already underway, Bimstec is poised to evolve into a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation, advancing peace, prosperity and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region, said the Secretariat of the regional grouping today (5 April).

Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), in their statements at the 6th Summit in Bangkok, underlined the need to make progress in enhancing intra-regional trade and investment; connectivity and security.

The Secretariat of the regional grouping said the summit provided a new impetus to the regional organisation to realise the goal of a "prosperous, resilient and open Bimstec".

The leaders also sought enhanced cooperation in the areas of tourism, culture exchanges, climate action, green and renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, food security and disaster management.

The Bimstec leaders reiterated their commitment to it, identified the areas of priority for regional cooperation, and presented specific proposals and initiatives, said the Bimstec Secretariat.

The 6th Summit of the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of Bimstec was held on Friday. It was preceded by 25th Bimstec Senior Officials' Meeting on 2 April and 20th Bimstec Ministerial Meeting on 3 April.

The 6th Summit was attended by Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Republic of India Narendra Modi, Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Dr Harini Amarasuriya and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The 6th Summit, themed "Prosperous, Resilient, and Open Bimstec", focused on fostering collaboration among the member States to address their shared security and developmental challenges.

Key outcomes of 6th Bimstec Summit

● Adoption of Declaration of 6th Bimstec Summit, which reflects the vision of the Leaders as well as their decisions and directives for future cooperation;

● Adoption of Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030, the first ever Vision Document of Bimstec, which provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for future cooperation amongst the member States to achieve the vision of Prosperous, Resilient and Open Bimstec;

● Signing of Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. It's a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships to enhance maritime connectivity, enabling more trade and travel amongst the member States;

● Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Bimstec and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which institutionalises future partnership between IORA and Bimstec in key areas of shared interest.

● Signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Bimstec and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which formalises partnership between UNODC and Bimstec in areas of shared priorities.

● Adoption of Rules of Procedure for the Bimstec Mechanisms. The Rules of Procedure, together with the Bimstec Charter, lay a strong foundation of institutional framework for regional cooperation under Bimstec, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency.

● Adoption of the Report of Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of Bimstec, which contains a number of recommendations to reform and revitalise Bimstec.

● Endorsement of Bimstec Leaders' Joint Statement on the Impact of the earthquake which struck Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March.

The Bimstec leaders expressed condolences, solidarity and commitment to supporting the affected countries and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in regional disaster management and to strengthen response mechanisms for natural disasters.

Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, in his report to the leaders, outlined progress made since the 5th Bimstec Summit, which was held in Colombo in March 2022.

He sought their guidance to further advance the Bimstec agenda for the greater benefit of the region and reaffirmed the Secretariat's commitment to working closely with the member States to strengthen regional cooperation under Bimstec.

At the conclusion of the Summit, Bangladesh, a founding member of Bimstec, assumed its Chairmanship.

Chief Adviser Yunus reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to working collaboratively with other member States to take Bimstec cooperation forward.

Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.