Regional Cooperation : 5th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting

A Myanmar delegation led by National Security Advisor Union Minister for the President’s Office U Tin Aung San arrived back in Yangon on Friday evening after attending the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting in New Delhi, India, from July 13 to 17.

During the meeting on July 16, the Myanmar delegation discussed regional cooperation and ways to address security challenges, including counter-terrorism, transnational crime, maritime security, cyber security, food security and energy security.

During the visit, the Union Minister attended a welcome dinner hosted by India’s National Security Advisor Mr Ajit Doval on July 15.

The Union Minister also held separate meetings with India’s National Security Advisor, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence Mr Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary-General of Thailand’s National Security Council Mr Chatchai Bangchuad and Defence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr AKM Shamsul Islam.

During the meetings, they exchanged views on bilateral security cooperation, border security, border-related issues, illegal migration, information sharing, humanitarian assistance, technology cooperation, bilateral and cross-border trade, and other areas of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by security chiefs, senior officials and diplomatic representatives from the seven BIMSTEC member countries.