BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers Sign Maritime Cooperation Deal

BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers signed the "BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation" agreement on Thursday, marking a key milestone in boosting regional connectivity.

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering collective peace, progress, and prosperity within the BIMSTEC framework. He participated in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside Foreign Ministers from member states.

Hossain highlighted the importance of tangible, results-driven cooperation, particularly through the effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) to boost intra-regional trade.

He also raised the issue of the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, calling for a conducive environment in Myanmar to allow their safe and dignified return, with full rights and security.

The Foreign Ministers also finalized the provisional agenda for the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit and the draft Summit Declaration, which will be reviewed during the summit on Friday.

Additionally, it was agreed that the 21st BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting would be held in Dhaka. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the report from the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting.