BIMSTEC ministers sign maritime transport deal, set agenda for summit

BIMSTEC foreign ministers today signed an agreement on maritime transport cooperation, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional connectivity.

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain attended the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside foreign ministers from other member states.

The ministers finalised the draft provisional agenda for the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit and the summit declaration, both of which will be considered at the summit scheduled for tomorrow.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of its official report, according to a statement from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It was also agreed that the 21st BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting will be held in Dhaka.

Addressing the meeting, the foreign affairs adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to regional peace, progress, and prosperity through a shared BIMSTEC vision.

He emphasised the need for tangible, results-driven cooperation, including the effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost intra-regional trade.

He also raised concerns over the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and called for a conducive environment in Myanmar to ensure their safe and dignified repatriation.