Bhutan formally began celebrations marking the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) with a special observance in Thimphu on Saturday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade commemorated the regional organisation’s 29th founding anniversary at Tara Lhading Zhingkham Lhakhang, where prayers were offered and one thousand butter lamps were lit to mark the occasion. The ceremony also signalled the start of a series of events leading up to BIMSTEC’s 30th anniversary next year.
Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel attended the event as the chief guest. Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and representatives from various state agencies also participated in the observance.
Addressing the gathering, Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel reflected on BIMSTEC’s growth over nearly three decades, noting that the organisation has emerged as a vital platform connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. He said the grouping continues to gain momentum as member countries strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas critical to regional development.
The minister highlighted sectors such as trade and investment, energy, transport and connectivity, technology and innovation, agriculture, public health, disaster management, environmental protection and climate action as key pillars of BIMSTEC’s collaborative agenda.
Reaffirming Bhutan’s commitment to regional cooperation, Lyonpo Dhungyel said the country would continue working closely with fellow member states to advance BIMSTEC’s shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive Bay of Bengal region.
He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of BIMSTEC member countries, the BIMSTEC Secretariat and other partners whose contributions have helped strengthen the organisation and advance its objectives over the past three decades.
Established in 1997, BIMSTEC serves as a regional cooperation framework bringing together countries from the Bay of Bengal region to promote economic integration, technical cooperation and sustainable development.
