The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Day 2019 was observed with a thousand butter lamp lighting ceremony at Dechenphodrang monastery in Thimphu on Thursday.
Foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji graced the event as the Chief Guest and other participants comprised members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations and regional offices based in Thimphu and government officials.
On the occasion of the BIMSTEC Day 2019, foreign minister Dr Tandi Dorji extended the warmest greetings and best wishes of the government and its people to the Governments and peoples of the BIMSTEC member states.
“Our shared efforts and collective will has made it possible for the BIMSTEC process to move ahead successfully with developments under various areas of cooperation, which is commendable,” he added.
The minister also congratulated the member states, the Secretariat and other mechanisms under the BIMSTEC aegis, for the momentum achieved so far.
“As we continue to work together for shared regional prosperity, I avail of this opportunity to reaffirm the support and commitment of the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan to the process of BIMSTEC,” he added.
Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering also extended his warm wishes and felicitations to the governments and people of the member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Lyonchhen said, “As BIMSTEC celebrates 22 years of establishments, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the developments and success achieved in the areas of cooperation and to look forward positively to more regional cooperation. We must continue to work together and in harmony to nurture the common bonds of friendship and understanding that bind us together as BIMSTEC.”
“As we move ahead and work collectively in realizing the aspirations and interests enshrined in the Bangkok Declaration, I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan to BIMSTEC,” Lyonchhen added.
Meanwhile, BIMSTEC Day is observed on June 6 every year to mark the establishment of BIMSTEC through the Bangkok Declaration as a regional organization.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are the seven BIMSTEC member countries.
Tshering from Thimphu
