FM extends greetings on BIMSTEC 24th Anniversary

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in a message to celebrate the BIMSTEC Day highlights the immense contribution the Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has made for the region's peace, stability and prosperity.

The full message as follows:

On the special occasion of the 24th Anniversary of Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), I wish to extend my greetings for all Member States and the organization.

BIMSTEC has contributed immensely for peace, stability and prosperity of our region during the last 24 years. I am confident that our friendly relationship and good cooperation between Member States and the Secretariat will be further strengthened and enhanced in the years to come for the benefit of our peoples.

As the world is in the brink of a major economic and social crisis due to the unprecedented devastation caused to human lives by the COVID-19 pandemic, BIMSTEC as a regional cooperation should play a vital supportive role in reviving the economies of Member States through cooperation in areas of expertise of Member States.

I would like to recall our renewed commitment at the recently concluded 17th Ministerial Meeting to endeavor to support BIMSTEC initiatives. Sri Lanka looks forward to host the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in the latter part of 2021 in Sri Lanka subject to the restrictions created by the pandemic.

As a founder Member Sri Lanka salutes all Member States for their untiring contributions to keep the wheels of BIMSTEC moving even during the pandemic.