Modi to meet BIMSTEC country leaders, engage to strengthen collaboration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind.

"I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with interests of our people in mind," Modi said in his departure statement as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka today (3 April).

Bangladesh sees this year's BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 4 April, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years.

Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity to present a "just and inclusive" Bangladesh in South and Southeast Asia, officials said this week.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will reach Bangkok on Thursday afternoon to attend the Summit, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.