Bangkok, Apr 03 (V7N) – The seven member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) have signed a landmark agreement to enhance maritime transport among the nations. The foreign ministers of each country signed the agreement ahead of the 20th BIMSTEC ministerial meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday.

Following the signing ceremony, the ministerial meeting commenced, where key regional issues and future cooperation strategies were discussed.

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor, Md. Towhid Hossain, represented the country at the meeting. In his address, he reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to BIMSTEC’s collective vision for peace, progress, and prosperity. He also brought attention to the Rohingya crisis, stressing the need for a conducive environment for their safe and dignified repatriation.

Meanwhile, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has arrived in Bangkok to attend the BIMSTEC Summit. He landed at noon local time on Thursday and is scheduled to speak at the BIMSTEC Youth Generation Forum later in the day.

On the sidelines of the summit, a bilateral meeting between Dr. Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to take place on Friday, April 4.

The summit's concluding session on April 4 will see Bangladesh taking over the chairmanship of BIMSTEC for the next two years. Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will officially assume this role, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.

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