Fourth BIMSTEC Summit kicks off

Kathmandu : The Fourth Summit of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) began today in Kathmandu. Prime Minister of Nepal and BIMSTEC Chairperson KP Sharma Oli announced the beginning of the Summit welcoming the Heads of State and Government of BIMSTEC Member States at a special programme this afternoon.
In his inaugural speech on behalf of the BIMSTEC Chairperson, Prime Minister Oli expressed the belief that the BIMSTEC Member States would carry out necessary efforts to make the region prosperous and leading the BIMSTEC countries towards peace and development. He also stressed the need of deeper integration among the BIMSTEC Member States.
The Heads of State and Government of BIMSTEC Member States are scheduled to address the Summit as per the alphabetical order. In the Summit, President of Myanmar Win Myint and President of Sri Lanka Maitripala Sirisena have led their countries’ delegate.
Likewise, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bhutan and Chief Justice Gyalpo Tshering Wangchuk and Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha-led delegates are attending the Summit.
From Nepal, Acting Chief Justice, Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Chairman of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and former Prime Ministers are attending the Summit.
Furthermore, chiefs of diplomatic mission in Nepal, former ministers, leaders of different political parties, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, high-level officials of Government of Nepal among others are taking part in the Summit.
The Heads of State and Government shall express their views being focused on ‘Towards a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal.’ The Summit will conclude on Friday by issuing Kathmandu Declaration.