Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Strengthen Regional Economic Ties

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and promoting regional economic collaboration for mutual prosperity. This pledge was made during a meeting between Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra and Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Thursday afternoon.

The two leaders discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest, with a focus on deepening economic cooperation between the two nations, according to a press release from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.

Earlier in the day, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey met with Foreign Adviser Hossain. The Adviser commended the BIMSTEC Secretariat for its role in advancing regional cooperation and reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the BIMSTEC process, particularly as it prepares to take over the Chairmanship of the regional forum.

Secretary General Pandey also sought Bangladesh's assistance in celebrating the upcoming 30th anniversary of BIMSTEC. In response, Foreign Adviser Hossain welcomed the initiative and encouraged the Secretariat to draft a comprehensive plan for the anniversary celebrations.

Both sides expressed a strong commitment to working together to ensure the success of Bangladesh's upcoming Chairmanship and to celebrate BIMSTEC's three decades of regional collaboration in a meaningful and impactful manner.

The Foreign Adviser led the Bangladesh delegation at the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, which precedes the sixth BIMSTEC summit to be held in Bangkok today.