Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain global political and economic landscape, the just-held 6th BIMSTEC Summit has reaffirmed BIMSTEC's crucial role in forging regional cooperation to enable the member states to deal with their shared security and sustainable development challenges, says its Secretariat.
With institutional reforms already underway, BIMSTEC is poised to evolve into a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation, advancing peace, prosperity and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region, said the Secretariat of the regional grouping on Saturday, reports UNB.
Key Outcomes of 6th BIMSTEC Summit
l Adoption of Declaration of 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which reflects the vision of the Leaders as well as their decisions and directives for future cooperation;
l Adoption of BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, the first ever Vision Document of BIMSTEC, which provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for future cooperation amongst the member States to achieve the vision of Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC;
l Signing of Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. It's a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships to enhance maritime connectivity, enabling more trade and travel amongst the member States;
l Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between BIMSTEC and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which institutionalises future partnership between IORA and BIMSTEC in key areas of shared interest.
l Signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BIMSTEC and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which formalises partnership between UNODC and BIMSTEC in areas of shared priorities.
l Adoption of Rules of Procedure for the BIMSTEC Mechanisms. The Rules of Procedure, together with the BIMSTEC Charter, lay a strong foundation of institutional framework for regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency;
l Adoption of the Report of Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC, which contains a number of recommendations to reform and revitalize BIMSTEC; and
? Endorsement of BIMSTEC Leaders' Joint Statement on the Impact of Earthquake which struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025.
The BIMSTEC leaders expressed condolences, solidarity and commitment to supporting the affected countries and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in regional disaster management and to strengthen response mechanisms for natural disasters.
