BIMSTEC secretary general visits Nepal

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey undertook an official visit to Nepal on 28-29 July. 

During the visit, he called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal. Their discussion focused on the progress achieved in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), including in sectors led by Nepal, such as culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums and poverty alleviation. 

Their deliberations covered steps towards strengthening regional cooperation under BIMSTEC and the role of Nepal in realising it, according to a press release.

The minister reiterated the high importance that Nepal attaches to BIMSTEC.

Indra Mani Pandey also called on Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganess), and apprised him of the progress achieved in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, including in sectors Nepal leads, such as tourism, culture, people-to-people contact forums as well as connectivity. 

Their discussion focused on the vital role of Nepal in strengthening cooperation under BIMSTEC and celebration of the 30th anniversary of BIMSTEC.

In his meeting with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, the Secretary General discussed Nepal's important role in advancing regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, including in sectors led by Nepal. 

The foreign secretary reiterated Nepal’s commitment to BIMSTEC, including various key initiatives that BIMSTEC is pursuing to enhance regional cooperation and integration among the member States.

Indra Mani addressed the high-level policy dialogue organised by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, with focus on evolution of BIMSTEC, its vision, agenda, achievements and ongoing initiatives to advance regional cooperation and integration. 

The dialogue was attended by diplomats from the BIMSTEC member states, government officials, academia, policy experts, think tanks, researchers etc.

The secretary general also delivered a guest lecture at the Department of International Relations, Tribhuvan University, and interacted with faculty members and students on the mission, agenda and regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region under BIMSTEC.

During the visit, Indra Mani also met Philomena Gnanapragasam, chief executive officer of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development. 

He was interviewed by Nepal Television, where he shared his views on the evolving international order, the role of regional organisations such as BIMSTEC, and Nepal's role in advancing regional cooperation and connectivity.

Nepal is one of the seven member states of BIMSTEC and leads regional cooperation in culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums and poverty alleviation. Nepal joined as a member of BIMSTEC in February 2004.

BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.