BIMSTEC summit begins

The third summit of BIMSTEC has kicked off in Myanmar, with the avowed goal of achieving collective prosperity for the seven member nations of South and South-east Asia. The inaugural ceremony began at 8.30am local time on Tuesday at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw. Myanmar President Thein Sein delivered his speech welcoming the heads of the state and government of the seven countries. After the welcome speech, the seven top leaders touched seven crystal balls displaying flags of their respective countries. A video was screened to introduce the member countries and the objective of the regional group. BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a regional grouping of seven members from South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka – and South East Asia –Thailand and Myanmar. The main summit started after a brief cultural ceremony and photo session. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Prime Minister Mahmohan Singh, Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Thailand’s Special envoy and Permanent Secretary of BIMSTEC Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Observer ADB Extended Mission Head at Myanmer Putu Kamayana attended the inauguration. Three agreements were signed in the summit, according to bdnews24.com.