ZCZC
BSS-50
BANGLADESH-BIMSTEC
Dhaka wants BIMSTEC process functional, operational
DHAKA, Jan 10, 2021 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today laid emphasis on the importance of making all entities of BIMSTEC process fully functional and operational.
He made the remarks while newly appointed BIMSTEC Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell called on him at foreign ministry here, a foreign office press release said.
Alam also said BIMSTEC process needs concerted and quicker efforts and more intense engagements amongst the member states for bringing out the best possible results for the mutual benefits of the people of the region.
Dhaka hosts the secretariat of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
During the meeting, the junior minister expressed his satisfaction on his appointment as the third Secretary General of BIMSTEC nominated by Bhutan, the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent country.
Alam hoped that the Secretary General will be able to play a pivotal role as a bridge among Member States for thriving hard to achieving the goals through early conclusion and implementation of necessary agreements, M0US and other required legal documents in these sectors to ensure overall development and well-being of the people of BIMSTEC region.
He stated that Bangladesh, as the BIMSTEC lead country for Trade, Investment and Development, is strongly committed to strengthen BIMSTEC Cooperation in this important field.
The state minister added that as a founding member of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh government is pledge bound to deepening relations with BIMSTEC member states in all aspects and to strengthen the BIMSTEC Secretariat in all possible means as well.
Bangladesh has already taken necessary steps to build a new premise for the Secretariat, he added.
The new Secretary General expressed his strong conviction to work for strengthening BIMSTEC by enhancing the level of cooperation amongst the member states.
BSS/PR/TA/RY/21:40hrs