They engaged in comprehensive discussions on various bilateral matters and regional developments
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen in Bangkok on July 17, 2023. This followed their previous interaction on June 12, 2023, at the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi. The latest meeting was held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Foreign Ministers' Retreat held in Bangkok, Thailand. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed various issues of mutual interest. In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar said, "Good meeting with FM AK Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Discussed a range of bilateral issues and regional developments. Agreed to meet more frequently to take these ideas further". The bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh is characterized by a strong bond of cooperation and mutual understanding. Over the years, the two countries have collaborated on various fronts, such as trade, border security, and water sharing, to foster regional stability and promote shared prosperity. This robust partnership is built on a foundation of trust and shared historical, cultural, and economic ties. BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat BIMSTEC connects seven countries of South and Southeast Asia, and also the ecologies of the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. The member states are India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. The Foreign Ministers' Retreat discussed ways to further deepen the BIMSTEC agenda and strengthen the organization ahead of the summit on November 30, which will also be held in Thailand. "Just concluded a productive BIMSTEC Retreat in Bangkok. An open and forward looking discussion among colleagues. Focused on strengthening resilience and coordination among BIMSTEC members, reflecting the challenges that we all confront today. Explored new facets and activities to enter new areas of cooperation. Food, health and energy security are common concerns. Technology solutions can be subject for both collaboration and exchange of best practices. Our common objective is to enhance growth and promote prosperity. Agreed to meet more frequently to take these ideas further," EAM Jaishankar tweeted. India has been selected as the next secretary-general of BIMSTEC, and will take over in November this year. As the upcoming secretary-general, India will assume a key leadership role within the organization and play a crucial part in driving its agenda forward. Specific sectors of interest that India’s leadership role can autonomize, highlighted by the external affairs minister, include the promotion of the organization’s goals of prioritising trade, investment, and technological cooperation within the Bay of Bengal region. EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to remain in Jakarta for the Foreign Ministers' Meetings and will continue holding dialogues following the same trajectory till July 18, 2023.