The 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) concluded with several significant decisions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.
Among the key outcomes was the adoption of the ‘Bangkok Vision 2030,’ BIMSTEC’s first-ever vision document.
The BIMSTEC Secretariat shared the developments in a press release on Saturday, April 5. Held on April 4 in Bangkok, Thailand, the summit saw the participation of heads of government from all BIMSTEC member states.
Prior to the summit, the 25th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting were held on April 2 and April 3, respectively.
Apart from Prof Yunus, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing, and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya attended the summit.
The summit, themed ‘Prosperous, Tolerant, and Open BIMSTEC,’ focused on fostering deeper cooperation in tackling both security and development challenges. The outcomes of the summit are expected to provide renewed momentum for the regional bloc to achieve its objectives.
Key Outcomes of the Summit:
1.BIMSTEC Summit Declaration – This declaration encapsulates the vision of the leaders, providing a clear framework for future cooperation.
2.Bangkok Vision 2030 – BIMSTEC’s first vision document, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for future collaboration among member states aimed at creating a prosperous and inclusive region.
3.Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement – A pivotal agreement to enhance maritime connectivity, promoting greater trade and mobility between member countries.
4.MoUs with IORA and UNODC – Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reinforcing BIMSTEC’s regional partnerships and cooperation in combating transnational crimes.
5.BIMSTEC Rules of Procedure – Adoption of the rules that, alongside the BIMSTEC Charter, will establish a solid institutional framework for the bloc, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency.
6.Report of the Group of Eminent Persons – The report, which outlines recommendations for reforming and revitalizing BIMSTEC, was adopted, marking a significant step toward strengthening the organization.
In addition, BIMSTEC leaders expressed solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand following the earthquake that struck both countries on March 28. They issued a joint statement of condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to regional disaster management and strengthening response mechanisms to natural calamities.
The leaders also emphasized several priority areas for future regional cooperation, including intra-regional trade, investment, connectivity, sustainable agriculture, food security, disaster management, climate action, green energy, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey provided a progress report, noting the advancements since the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in Colombo in March 2022. He called for continued support to further the BIMSTEC agenda for the region’s collective benefit.
As the summit concluded, Bangladesh, a founding member, assumed the presidency of BIMSTEC. Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s dedication to working with fellow member states to further regional cooperation within BIMSTEC.
BDST: 2049 HRS, APR 05, 2025
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