BIMSTEC should advance with regional unity and cooperation: Minister Dr Rana

 

April 3, Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that BIMSTEC must progress with a spirit of regional unity and collective cooperation. Addressing the 20th Ministerial Meeting under the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Thursday, she highlighted that BIMSTEC represents the shared aspirations of the Bay of Bengal region’s people, necessitating unity and collaboration.

“BIMSTEC is a vibrant rainbow representing South and Southeast Asia, reflecting the region’s rich civilization, culture, and ecological diversity. It must unlock the economic potential of its people,” she said. The Minister noted Nepal’s active role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development regionally and globally, proudly citing its significant contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Minister Dr Rana welcomed India’s proposal for a BIMSTEC disaster management center, given the region’s vulnerability to climate change, natural disasters, and pollution.

Minister Dr Rana expressed confidence in BIMSTEC’s leading role in fostering regional peace, unity, and environmental sustainability. Suggesting stronger collaboration, she proposed operationalizing the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, enhancing connectivity through a master plan, and promoting energy cooperation, tourism, and technology transfer.

She also stressed women’s empowerment, people-to-people ties, and partnerships with development actors to address poverty and climate challenges.