Bangkok: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today emphasized the need for tangible and result-oriented cooperation among BIMSTEC member states, particularly through the effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) to enhance intra-regional trade.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Touhid Hossain made these remarks while leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting saw participation from foreign ministers of all seven BIMSTEC member countries, convened a day ahead of the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit.
In the morning session, the Foreign Ministers signed the Agreement on BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity. The Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to a shared BIMSTEC vision aimed at promoting collective peace, progress, and prosperity.
Touhid Hossain also addressed the pressing issue of the 1.2 million Rohingyas shelt
ered in Bangladesh, urging the creation of a conducive atmosphere in Myanmar for the return of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) with rights and security.
During the meeting, the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers finalized the draft Provisional Agenda for the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit and the draft of the Summit Declaration, which will be considered at the summit scheduled for tomorrow. Additionally, it was agreed that the 21st BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting will be held in Dhaka.
The 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting concluded with the adoption of its report. Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus is expected to attend the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit of Heads of State/Governments in Bangkok on Friday.