New Delhi, June 6 (FN Bureau) Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message congratulated BIMSTEC on its silver jubilee anniversary, saying the grouping of seven states lying adjacent to the Bay of Bengal has done appreciable work to bring development and prosperity to people of the region. He also said that India has taken several initiatives towards capacity building in vital sectors and in facilitating trade. The message read: “It is heartening to learn about the silver jubilee anniversary of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Greetings and best wishes to member states of BIMSTEC on this joyous occasion. During the last 25 years, BIMSTEC has done appreciable work to bring development and prosperity to people of the region. The BIMSTEC Charter will be the guiding force in expanding cooperation and enhancing our collective potential. India has taken initiatives towards capacity building in vital sectors such as knowledge sharing between scientific institutions, education, disaster response and management, as well as facilitating trade.
Such actions reflect our commitment to strengthen cooperation in different areas for the larger benefit of people. The Silver Jubilee celebration of the organisation’s establishment is an occasion to strengthen the resolve to take our cooperation to even higher levels. Established 25 years ago with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, the chairmanship of BIMSTEC has come to Thailand this year. My best wishes to Chair Thailand for leading the organisation in this milestone year. I am sure that with sincere efforts and cooperation, we will succeed in bringing about positive and meaningful changes in the lives of our people.” EAM S Jaishankar, in a tweet, also extended his greetings. “On 25th BIMSTEC Day, extend warm wishes to the Governments and the people of our partner member states. Committed to our increased cooperation for harnessing the great potential of the Bay of Bengal region.” BIMSTEC countries comprise five from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and two from Southeast Asia– Myanmar and Thailand. The Member States are in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.