BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers Converge in Delhi to Strengthen Regional Cooperation

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Tharaka Balasuriya, arrived in New Delhi for the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat hosted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The event, scheduled for July 11-12, aims to enhance collaboration among member nations in various sectors, including security and trade.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Tharaka Balasuriya, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Minister's Retreat. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host his counterparts for the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in the capital on July 11-12.

The retreat offers a platform for BIMSTEC's Foreign Ministers to explore ways to expand and deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including security, connectivity, trade, and investment, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Ministers and top officials from member countries such as Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar are also present in New Delhi for the discussions.

MEA's press release emphasized that the retreat provides a unique opportunity for ministers to discuss collaboration in an informal setting, covering areas from security to people-to-people contacts. The first edition of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in Bangkok on July 17, 2023.

The MEA highlighted that BIMSTEC unifies seven South and Southeast Asian countries for multifaceted cooperation. This regional organization aims to enhance economic growth, trade, and collaboration in fields like transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism.

BIMSTEC aims to strengthen ties and boost economic development among its members, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

(With inputs from agencies.)