Introductory Visit: MOFA Deputy Minister receives BIMSTEC delegation

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U LwinOo received Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, who is now in Nay Pyi Taw for his introductory visit to Myanmar on Tuesday.

During the call, they cordially discussed and exchanged views on matters related to BIMSTEC cooperation mechanisms. Their discussions also focused on the importance of food security in the region. Furthermore, they deliberated on the works of BIMSTEC EPG on the future directions of BIMSTEC and the holding of core and sectoral BIMSTEC meetings regularly.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that BIMSTEC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is designated as the BIMSTEC National Focal Point of Myanmar and coordinating with all relevant Ministries of Myanmar to expedite cooperation with BIMSTEC. Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey of India assumed his duties as the 4th Secretary General of BIMSTEC since January 2024.

It is learned that the Secretary General had earlier paid introductory visits to other BIMSTEC Member States. BIMSTEC is a regional organization established in 1997 and it comprises seven Member States namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The main aim of BIMSTEC is to promote economic cooperation among the Member States of the Bay of Bengal region. Out of the current seven Sectors of BIMSTEC Cooperation, Myanmar is serving as the Lead Country for BIMSTEC “Agriculture and Food Security Sector”.